Tenor Saxophonist Tina Brooks: "True Blue"

Harold Floyd Brooks was nicknamed "Tina" (pronounced "Ty-na") as a corruption for "tiny" as he was a small man. A small man with a big talent! Brooks is the last of our Jazz Features of albums that were dismissed initially by the Jazz critics. The other three that we featured were not really affected by these bad reviews and their albums went on to be treated as classics. Tonight's Jazz Feature disc is a classic but the bad initial review led to Brooks' other sessions for Blue Note not to be issued in his lifetime. Sad to say Brooks fell into a state of decline due to drugs and alcohol and never recorded after 1961.This album was the only one ever issued and because of the poor review it was never repressed. People in the know bought the record and it for many years was a valuable collector's item. However it is no stretch to say that poor Brooks' career was not affected badly. The album is now of course "classic". Brooks is one of the most original tenor saxophonists in Jazz with a big broad bluesy sound and individual concept. A powerhouse! Here his group consists of the up and coming young trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, veteran pianist Duke Jordan and the ideal rhythm section of bassist Sam Jones and master drummer Arthur Taylor. Five of the six compositions are Brooks' originals and all explore different moods. One obscure standard ends the date and it has been uniquely arranged by Mr. Brooks. Tina Brooks only lived to age 42 and deserved much more than he received in his lifetime. At least in death, he is recognised and respected and all his albums are now available. True Blue is a masterpiece!