Despite certain marketing strategies currently being used to sell iPods, the concept of an album made up of selections presented in specific sequence is far from obsolete. Leo Parker’s 1961 Blue Note debut, Let Me Tell You ‘Bout It, for example, is out again, this time as part of a series of monumental jazz recordings remastered by Rudy Van Gelder. While the two bonus tracks are nothing new, the overall running order of the titles has been rearranged, with “Glad Lad” placed as the opener. Even as this busily boiling bop exercise works as a sort of introductory spark plug, it makes for a completely different listening experience from previous issues, which placed the magnificent “Blue Leo” out in front. “Glad Lad” is one of many sequels to “Mad Lad,” Parker’s feature number when he recorded for the Apollo label in July 1947 with pianist Sir Charles Thompson. Like many bop structures, the melodic line is relatively simplistic but serves well as a foundation for extended improvisation. Opening the album with “Blue Leo” was theater of an entirely different sort. It’s quite possible that Van Gelder has chosen to release the tracks following the exact order in which they were recorded. In any case, the logical transition remains from “Blue Leo” to “Let Me Tell You ‘Bout It,” a gospel-inflected soul waltz in the manner of Horace Silver. This vibe is revisited with gusto on “Low Brown,” which luckily exists in an additional eight-and-a-half-minute version. “TCTB” is a sailing cruise based on the chord progressions to “Sweet Georgia Brown.” The title’s initials stand for “Taking Care of the Business.” The interaction between tenor and baritone is extraordinary. This excellent little band was composed of individuals who were hardly known in 1961 and remain on the fringe of jazz, North America’s great and perpetually marginalized music. Nevertheless, their collective professional background was impressive. Tenor saxophonist Bill Swindell came up through the orchestras of Lionel Hampton, Lucky Millinder, and Trummy Young. Trumpeter John Burks worked under Johnny Hodges, Louis Bellson, and Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson. Bassist Stan Conover came up alongside Wilbur Ware and gigged with Arnett Cobb, Gene Ammons, and Eddie Harris. Purnell Rice drummed with Red Prysock, Hal Singer, and Dakota Staton. This was the quintet that backed Leo Parker on his second to last session as a leader, on September 9, 1961. Five months later, on February 11, 1962, Leo Parker died of a heart attack, two months short of his 37th birthday. Along with its successor, Rollin’ with Leo, Let Me Tell You ‘Bout It, Rovi – arwulf arwulf
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