Blue & Sentimental is an album by American jazz saxophonist Ike Quebec recorded for Blue Note on December 16 & 23, 1961 and released the following year.Blue Note Records discography accessed October 29, 2010
Background The album features a quartet made up of Quebec (occasionally doubling on piano), guitarist Grant Green, and rhythm section Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones. The album features rare rhythm guitar accompaniment by Green, who was more typically a soloist."To hear [Grant] comp [i.e., play rhythm guitar] behind a soloist you have to check his sideman dates, like Blue and Sentimental by Ike Quebec..." Sharony Andrews Green (1999) Grant Green: Rediscovering the Forgotten Genius of Jazz Guitar, Backbeat Books/Hal Leonard, p. 224"In place of a keyboard, Grant, quietly comping or soloing in fluid single note style, creates acres of space in which Quebec's rapturous playing can shine." Chris May (2008). "Ike Quebec: Blue & Sentimental", Review for AllAboutJazz.com, April 12, 2008; accessed 01 Jan 2018 The original LP release featured six tracks, and two additional titles ("That Old Black Magic" and "It's All Right With Me") were added to CD reissues starting in 1988. The track "Count Every Star" features a different group of backing musicians.
Reception
The AllMusic review by Steve Huey calls Blue & Sentimental "a superbly sensuous blend of lusty blues swagger and achingly romantic ballads" and "a quiet, sorely underrated masterpiece".Huey, S. [ Allmusic Review] accessed October 29, 2010
In 2004, critic Richard Cook wrote that the album "might be Quebec's masterpiece".Richard Cook (2004). Blue Note Records: The Biography. Justin, Charles & Company, p. 143
Track listing
Side 1
"Blue and Sentimental" (Count Basie, Mack David, Jerry Livingston) – 7:28 "Minor Impulse" (Quebec) – 6:34 "Don't Take Your Love from Me" (Henry Nemo) – 7:04
Side 2
"Blues for Charlie" (Grant Green) – 6:48 "Like" (Quebec) – 5:21 "Count Every Star" (Bruno Coquatrix, Sammy Gallop) – 6:16
1988 CD track listing "Blue and Sentimental" (Count Basie, Mack David, Jerry Livingston) – 7:28 "Minor Impulse" (Quebec) – 6:34 "Don't Take Your Love from Me" (Henry Nemo) – 7:04 "Blues for Charlie" (Grant Green) – 6:48 "Like" (Quebec) – 5:21 "That Old Black Magic" (Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer) – 4:52 Bonus track on CD reissue "It's All Right with Me" (Cole Porter) – 6:05 Bonus track on CD reissue "Count Every Star" (Bruno Coquatrix, Sammy Gallop) – 6:16
Recorded on December 16 (tracks 1–7) and December 23 (track 8), 1961.
Personnel
Musicians
December 16, 1961
Ike Quebec – tenor saxophone, piano Grant Green – guitar Paul Chambers – bass Philly Joe Jones – drums
December 23, 1961 ("Count Every Star") Ike Quebec – tenor saxophone Grant Green – guitar Sonny Clark – piano Sam Jones – bass Louis Hayes – drums
Technical personnel
Alfred Lion – producer Rudy Van Gelder – recording engineer Reid Miles – design Francis Wolff – photography Ira Gitler – liner notes
References