Drummer Ron Jefferson: "Love Lifted Me"

Tonight for the month of March, The Jazz Show's Jazz Features will be albums that are one of a kind. Mostly albums by fine musicians that only had one recording issued in their lifetime. This was in no way that these players were second rate but simply circumstance and the vagaries of the Jazz recording business. Ron Jefferson is a case in point. He was a fine and in demand drummer who really increased his profile when he moved to Los Angeles from his home town of New York in the late 1950's. Jefferson became a founding member of one of the most popular bands of the time, Les McCann Ltd. (pianist Les McCann's trio).. Jefferson was given the opportunity to record under his name and leadership and he produced this fine album that was issued on World Pacific Records. Jefferson chose well, Lawrence "Tricky" Lofton on trombone and tenor saxophonist Wilbur Brown blend beautifully. Both Lofton and Brown are lesser known names but prove their worth here. An emerging star here is a young Bobby Hutcherson in prime early form. On piano was "the Wynton Kelly of L.A.", Frank Strazzeri and the great Leroy Vinnegar on bass. Ron Jefferson picked the music and plays for the band and does not hog the spotlight. "Love Lifted Me" is a fine ,solid and varied album which deserves an airing. That happens tonight on our Jazz feature!