The Jamaica-born pianist Wynton Kelly, who also played as a member of Miles Davis’s quintet, passed away on this day in 1971 at the tragically young age of 39.
The album chosen here in his memory is It’s All Right! (1964), Kelly’s first outing as a leader. At its core is a trio featuring Paul Chambers (bass) and Jimmy Cobb (drums), but the album also includes quartet performances expanded with Kenny Burrell on guitar and Candido on congas.
The record is packed with standout performances, infused throughout with Latin and bossa nova flavors. The repertoire is equally diverse, drawing from soul, film music, and even classical works. Our top picks are B1 “Kelly Roll,” composed by Burrell; B3 “On the Trail (from The Grand Canyon Suite),” a jazz adaptation of Ferde Grofé’s famous piece; and the especially lethal “The Fall of Love,” a theme from the film The Fall of the Roman Empire, where Candido’s congas truly ignite the track.
The American comic book–style cover art is a great touch as well.
マイルスのクインテットにも参加していたジャマイカ出身のピアニスト、ウィントン・ケリー。1971年の本日、39歳の若さで亡くなりました。
