Stanley Turrentine - Don't Mess With Mister T

2025

Whether or not you’re a fan of the productions Creed Taylor made in the 1970s, he deserves much credit for preserving – and extending – the careers of a number of accomplished jazz musicians who might otherwise have disappeared without trace – on record, at least – after rock nearly demolished the scene. And before the really commercialised, strings-laden sessions took over, there was a period at the end of the 1960s and start of the 70s when people such as Hubbard and Turrentine were still firing on all cylinders and refusing to be put off by the constant Rhodes syndrome and funky percussion.

Stanley the steamer is at his very best – wonderfully warm, wailing and basking in the blues – on almost this entire album. In retrospect, Bob James was a much better pianist than was thought at the time and most of his scores left plenty of scope for Turrentine to take off and fly really high. Eric Gale’s excellent guitar work, Idris’ rock solid drumming and Johnny Hammond’s soulful organ all stand out. A really spirited album which still sounds extremely soulful.

Jack Massarik