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Thing to Do

Thing to Do

  • Artist: Blue Mitchell
  • Total time: 40:15
  • Availability: In stock
  • Item #: 5182305
  • Your Price: $16.99
Currently available in US only.

Review

This Blue Mitchell date is a classic, particularly the opening "Fungii Mama," which is really catchy. The trumpeter's quintet of the period (which includes tenor saxophonist Junior Cook, the young pianist Chick Corea, bassist Gene Taylor, and drummer Al Foster) also performs two Jimmy Heath tunes and a song apiece by Joe Henderson ("Step Lightly") and Corea. The record is prime Blue Note hard bop, containing inventive tunes, meaningful solos, and an enthusiastic but tight feel. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Track Listing

1. Fungii Mama 7:48
2. Mona's Mood 5:17
3. Thing to Do 7:05
4. Step Lightly 10:26
5. Chick's Tune 9:35

Details of This Recording

  • Label:
  • Credits:
  • Additional Info:
  • Styles:
    • Hard Bop
    • Jazz

Contents

Remastered!

Of all the Blue Note trumpeters, Mitchell was often underrated, but this CD should not be overlooked.

Fungii Mama; Mona's Mood; The Thing to Do; Step Lightly; Chick's Tune.

Blue Mitchell, Trumpet; Chick Corea, Piano; Gene Taylor, Bass; Aloysius Foster, Drums; Junior Cook, Tenor Sax.

Extended Article

The Rudy Van Gelder (RVG) Series consists of classic Blue Note albums that have been newly remastered in 24-bit by original engineer Rudy Van Gelder with state-of-the-art equipment. These audiophile releases contain bonus tracks and session photos.

Read About This Recording

In 1964, trumpeter Blue Mitchell had just wrapped up his stint in the Horace Silver Quintet and turned to the other musicians he'd played with in clubs to form his own band, featuring saxophonist Junior Cook and bassist Gene Taylor. Drummer Aloysius Al Foster came on board after a brief gig with Silver to mark his recording debut. Chick Corea had played a string of Latin dates with Mongo Santamaria, Montego Joe and others. Mitchell had recorded with Cook as early as 1961 on Jazzland and Riverside, and led various quintets through 1969.

The Thing To Do kicks off with the buoyant Fungii Mama, a Caribbean-flavored tune as tasty as the dish it's named for. Jimmy Heath penned the pensive Mona's Mood and the breezy title track.

Of all the Blue Note trumpeters, Mitchell was often underrated, but this CD should not be overlooked. Remastered by Rudy Van Gelder, with photos by Francis Wolff, original liner notes by Ira Gitler and new notes by Bob Blumenthal.

-Richard Antone