The MJT+3: "Make Everybody Happy!"

The mystery behind this little Chicago based band is simple. The MJT stands for the "Modern Jazz Two" This was bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Walter Perkins. They were the most sought after rhythm players on the Chicago scene in the late 50s. They recruited two horn players and a pianist and they comprised the "+3". After a few personnel changes, the band was set. Willie Thomas, a fine brass proud trumpeter was the man. On alto saxophone, one of the finest and most overlooked real voices of that instrument, Frank Strozier. On piano was a great player, Harold Mabern, who at 81 is still touring, lecturing and playing every bit as good as he does here when he was in his youth. This little band was very popular around Chicago and the general area and recorded several albums for Vee-Jay Records. This is one of their best and it's called "Make Everybody Happy!" This tight little band might not re-invent the wheel but they swung, were cohesive and had their own sound. The album was recorded in 1960. Soon after all of the members headed for New York and never recorded as a unit again. They all became stars in their own right. Meantime we have this delightful and creative little band to enjoy and I know you will. "Make Everybody Happy"...you too!