Bemsha Swing (album)

Bemsha Swing
Live album by Woody Shaw
Released	1997
Recorded	February 26 & 27, 1986 Baker's Keyboard Lounge, Detroit, Michigan
Genre	Jazz
Label	Blue Note CDP 7243
Producer	Michael Cuscuna
Woody Shaw chronology
Double Take (1985) Bemsha Swing (1986) Solid (1986)

Bemsha Swing is a live album led by trumpeter Woody Shaw which was recorded in Detroit in 1986 but not released on the Blue Note label until 1997.^[1][2]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[3]

Scott Yanow of Allmusic stated, "Despite worsening health and terrible eyesight, he was still in very good playing form in 1986 when he performed the music (recorded at Baker's Keyboard Lounge in Detroit) that resulted in this previously unissued double-CD from 1997... There is no feeling of decline or even world-weariness in the trumpeter's playing, and his solos are full of constant invention and enthusiastic ideas. This highly recommended set was one of Woody Shaw's last great recordings".^[3] Bill Shoemaker reviewd the album for JazzTimes stating "while the trumpeter's career was declining, and his life tragically unraveling, his creative abilities were still, at least occasionally, at the level of his high-profile '70s zenith'... the great trumpeter's legacy is well-served by Bemsha Swing".^[4]

Track listing

All compositions by Woody Shaw except as indicated

Disc One:

1. "Bemsha Swing" (Denzil Best, Thelonious Monk) - 10:29
2. "Ginseng People" - 12:06
3. "Well, You Needn't" (Monk) - 14:34
4. "Eric" (Geri Allen) - 6:05
5. "United" (Wayne Shorter) - 11:39

Disc Two:

1. "Nutty" (Monk) - 13:08
2. "In a Capricornian Way" - 15:40
3. "Star Eyes" (Gene de Paul, Don Raye) - 15:38
4. "Theloniously Speaking" (Roy Brooks) - 9:30

• Recorded at Baker's Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, Michigan on February 26 (Disc One, track 1 and Disc Two) and February 27 (Disc One, tracks 2-5), 1986

Personnel

• Woody Shaw - trumpet
• Geri Allen - piano
• Robert Hurst - bass
• Roy Brooks - drums

References