Leo Wright - Blues Shout / Suddenly The Blues

2021 reissue

Never a star, but always a wonderful player to listen to, alto saxophonist and flutist Leo Wright is best remembered for his extensive work as a member of Dizzy Gillespie’s quintet in the 1950s. Presented here in their entireties and Wright’s first and second albums as a leader: Blues Shout (Atlantic SD-1358) and Suddenly the Blues (Atlantic SD-1393), both of which find him in the company of illustrious accompanists, such as Junior Mance, Kenny Burrell, and Ron Carter.

PERSONNEL:

    Leo Wright - alto sax & flute
    On all tracks, plus:

    [1-8]: BLUES SHOUT
    On tracks [5-8]:
    Richard Williams - trumpet
    Junior Mance - piano
    Art Davis - bass
    Gigi Gryce - conductor on 5-6
    New York, May 25, 1960

    On tracks [1-4]:
    Same personnel except Harry Lookofsky, violin replaces Richard Williams
    Gigi Gryce, conductor
    New York, August 29, 1960.

    [9-17]: SUDDENLY THE BLUES
    Kenny Burrell - guitar
    Ron Carter - bass
    Rudy Collins - drums
    New York, April 23, 1962