Friday, February 29, 2008

The Baron

Baron Von Ohlen Quartet featuring Mary Ann Moss - The Baron Creative World CW-3001 (1973)

"John Von Ohlen is the aristocrat of the drums, and he consistently turns in the noblest performance of them all. I am so proud and pleased that Creative World could be the firm to release The Baron's first recording, because it is a milestone in the field of innovative jazz for small groups. The Baron already has an international reputation among the jazz cognescenti. He has been described as a "powerhouse." That he is. But he has submerged his tremendous talent on this first album with his own quartet, to come up with a sublime whole--he is still the driving force, but the other members of the group are given the opportunity to be heard at their best, and their best is a joy. This album not only demonstrates John's great talent, it is solid proof that he is on his way to becoming a major figure in jazz. " -- Stan Kenton

So many people have asked me for this, I caved in under the pressure. Sublimely mellow jazz funk on Stan Kenton's private label. Enjoy...

1) TERGIVERSATION
Whistle: Baron Von Ohlen
Solo: Steve Allee (electric piano)
2) VONETTA
Solo: Steve Allee (electric piano)
3) IT ONLY HAPPENS EVERYTIME
Vocal: Mary Ann Moss
Solo: Steve Allee (electric piano)
4) BESSIES BLUES
Solo: Claude Sifferlen (acoustic and electric pianos)
5) PEE WEE
Solo: Steve Allee (electric piano)
6) (YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE) A NATURAL WOMAN
Vocal: Mary Ann Moss
Solo: Claude Sifferlen (acoustic piano)
7) ELEANOR RIGBY
Solo: Steve Allee (electric piano)
8) RUNAWAY HEART
Vocal: Mary Ann Moss
Solos: Claude Sifferlen (electric piano); Steve Allee (Farfisa organ)
9) CANDY MAN
Vocal: Mary Ann Moss
Solo: Steve Allee (electric piano)
10) WHY DID I CHOOSE YOU
Vocal: Mary Ann Moss
11) PINNOCHIO
Solos: Steve Allee (electric piano); Claude Sifferlen (organ); Baron Von Ohlen (drums)