Today marks George Benson’s 83rd birthday; George was born March 22, 1943 [1]Richard S. Ginell. “George Benson: Biography & History”. AllMusic [2]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Benson. He more than earned his dues by the time he first went into the studio for his first album with Creed Taylor, recorded in August, September, and October of 1968. Over the next nine years, Creed would produce some ten […]
OTD: The “lost” Cal Tjader live Album
On January 18, 1967, Wally Heider transported recording equipment to San Francisco for a live session of Cal Tjader, overseen by Creed Taylor and Chico O’Farrill. While Tjader found success at El Matador, the fate of the recorded album remains uncertain, what happened to the unreleased tracks and other important events in Tjader’s 1967. Post includes a 1969 live set to listen to.
OTD: The Record Men: Creed Taylor
The January 1965 issue of Jazz magazine highlights Creed Taylor’s influential role as a jazz A&R producer. Known for his commercial success and artistic sensitivity, Taylor shaped numerous significant jazz recordings. The article discusses his innovative techniques, including unique project concepts and collaboration with artists, emphasizing his foresight in navigating the evolving jazz landscape.
OTD: “Exciting Quintet in Town”
On this day, December 13th, 1970 – Herbie Mann was at the “Both/And” club in San Francisco. The nightclub focused on jazz at 350 Divisadero Street, with the neighboring Harding Theater [1]https://hoodline.com/2014/06/the-lost-jazz-clubs-of-divisadero/. They had been home to the Tina Turner Revue and Miles Davis. In early 1971, both Herbie Hancock and Freddie Hubbard would appear in the club. Herbie Mann […]
Seen Online Update
Ira Gilter’s CTI/KUDU lighter has been listed online starting at $79.99, I’ve updated the original listing. In another update, Analog Junkie has added a “Hank’s Back” CTI Summer Jazz to his online print-on-demand store at teepublic. Again see the original listing. I was also able to get a version of the 3D CTI logo printed for free at my local […]
On This Day: Smokin’ At The Half Note
Wes Montgomery’s “Smokin’ At The Half Note,” recorded in June and September 1965, represents a significant moment in jazz history, showcasing his guitar mastery alongside Wynton Kelly’s Trio. Despite misconceptions about its recording venue, the album reflects the transient nature of jazz life, with notable performances and early deaths of three of the musicians involved.
On the Verge of A Jazz Revival
In another column from the San Francisco Chronicle archive, this time Leonard Feather’s column discusses a jazz revival observed in April 1971, highlighting the growing interest from youth bored with rock music. He reviews notable CTI records, praising works by Hubert Laws, Bill Evans, and Dave Frishberg. Feather suggests that jazz is evolving and remains an essential art form, driven by innovation.
On The Town: “Summer Jazz – A Real Rip-Off”
The recent acquisition of archival San Francisco Chronicle issues revealed a critical 1971 column by John L. Wasserman, targeting CTI’s Summer Jazz concert and Leonard Feather’s involvement. At the time, Feather was an LA Times columnist.
Wasserman condemned the event for poor organization, lack of audience notification, and financial exploitation, marking it a significant failure in connecting artists with fans but was that fair?
The Untold Story of CTI Summer Jazz Albums – 1972
The Curious Case of “CTI Summer Jazz at the Hollywood Bowl” – Doug tackles the details, many you won’t know, we have a track by track playlist from the All-Stars live also 1972.
Melting Pot – Creed Taylor Month 2025
Melting Pot, Kim Paris’ show on Freeform Portland radio will feature a CTI Special this Sunday ready for September, Creed Taylor month. Details and links inside.
Seen Online: The CTI Lighter
Seriously, there was a CTI/KUDU lighter – This one belong to someone important in jazz history and not Creed. Also, no, it’s not me, I don’t own it and can’t sell it to you – but I know a man who does own one.
Once Around The Clock – Patricia Scot
A major refresh of an earlier article that includes a great deal of new content.
1959 saw Taylor and Bob (Kenyon) Hokins record arrangements for Patricia Scot’s only album. I’ve added a great deal of detail on how she got there and what happened next.
Seen Online: CTI Records Swag
Ever wanted some CTI Swag?
This post is for you. Share the love, love the brand, dig the music – Keep the groove going
Seen Online: 3D CTI Printing
Want to 3D printed CTI logo?
Apparently this is all you need!
Seen Online: Moochin’ About -Kenyon Hopkins
An Internet find, the albums of Kenyon Hopkins and Creed Taylor in digital format. Got any interesting internet finds, let me know.
Freddie Hubbard – Live in ’67
Freddie Hubbard has many live recordings, primarily from after 1968. Notably, Resonance Records has released a live set from 1967 at Blue Morocco featuring prominent musicians. The venue, now gone, was noted for its vibrant atmosphere. Hubbard’s live recordings are essential in understanding his musical evolution during this period.