Pianist/composer Duke Pearson: "Wahoo!"

Duke Pearson only lived until he was 47 as be died young from Multiple Sclerosis. He is the musical pride of Atlanta, Georgia and there will be soon a day dedicated to Duke. Duke Pearson Day! He was a pianist, bandleader, arranger/composer and a record producer. A man for all musical seasons. He recorded everything from piano trio dates to big band dates and appeared as a sideman on many recordings. Tonight's Jazz Feature is called "Wahoo" and was done for Blue Note Records. Duke was unique in a way as he had a contract with both Blue Note and Atlantic Records and did great albums for them both. Wahoo! is one of his very best dates and features an all-star band. Pearson's abilities as a composer/arranger makes this band sound like a working band rather than one organized for the recording. Donald Byrd is on trumpet and Byrd and Pearson go way back as Duke was pianist in a combo led by Byrd and baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams. James Spaulding is on alto saxophone and flute and is a powerful addition. Joe Henderson on tenor saxophone needs no introduction as he is one of the true giant on his horn. Bob Cranshaw always plays in the "pocket" on bass and Granville "Mickey" Roker is still one of the finest drummers on the planet. Pearson wrote 5 of the 6 tunes and Byrd contributed one. Pearson's arranging touch is all over this date and is what makes this one great. Duke Pearson deserves wider recognition and this album is one good reason why.