Cunningbird is an album led by trombonist Jimmy Knepper, recorded in 1976 and released on the Danish SteepleChase label.Jimmy Knepper Leader Entry, accessed April 7, 2017SteepleChase Records discography, accessed April 7, 2017SteepleChase Productions ApS, accessed April 7, 2017
Reception
The Globe and Mail wrote that "Knepper is one of the most individual stylists of mainstream jazz trombone, with a tone so soft-centred that it sometimes seems to slow down his articulation to a mumble."
In his review for AllMusic, Scott Yanow said: "Trombonist Jimmy Knepper, who had not had the opportunity to lead his own record session in 19 years, is in top form during this quintet outing with tenor saxophonist Al Cohn... Knepper contributed all six compositions, which include a couple of haunting ballads, a blues, and a few songs based on the chord changes of standards. However, it is for the excellent solo work of Knepper and Cohn that this hard bop release is most highly recommended."
Track listing All compositions by Jimmy Knepper. "Figment Fragment" – 7:41 "Languid" – 5:34 "Just Tonight" – 8:25 "Noche Triste" [take 1] – 8:07 Bonus track on CD reissue "Spotlight Girl" [take 2] – 6:43 Bonus track on CD reissue "Cunningbird" – 6:33 "Noche Triste" – 7:33 "Spotlight Girl" – 7:44
Personnel Jimmy Knepper – trombone Al Cohn – tenor saxophone Roland Hanna – piano George Mraz – bass Dannie Richmond – drums
References