The J.F.K. Quintet - New Jazz Frontiers from Washington and Young Ideas

The JFK Quintet was a notable group of young musicians who played in Washington D.C. in the early 60s. Their style was a crossbreed between the New Thing and postbop that retained the inherent swing of jazz, while at the same time the group was compulsively forward-facing and avant garde orientated.

The bands prime figures were trumpeter Ray Codrington and altoist Andy White, both of whom also composed most of the tunes. The trumpet-alto front line blends well in the crisp, frequently boppish ensembles, despite the fact that their soloing styles are quite different. Reminiscent of Freddie Hubbard, Codrington blows cleanly and articulately, with a clear, biting tone and an incisive, creative conception. White was a flowing and assured soloist, with a harsh, wailing attack that shows a considerable Eric Dolphy influence. It made for a fruitful contrast in a band full of rhythmic drive and vitality, with a strong musical personality and identity.

Sources:
Tracks #1-7, from the 12-inch LP "New Jazz Frontiers from Washington"
(Riverside RLP9396)
Tracks #8-14, from the 12-inch LP "Young Ideas" (Riverside RLP9424)

Personnel in all tracks:
Ray Codrington, trumpet; Andy White, alto sax; Harry Killgo, piano; Walter Booker Jr., bass; Carl Newman, drums.
Recorded at Plaza Sound Studios, New York City, July 17 (tracks #1-7) and December 4, 1961 (tracks #8-14)

01. Aw-ite (Ray Codrington) 4:05
02. Euglys Tune (Andy White) 5:57
03. Homing Grits (Ray Codrington) 6:20
04. Cici's Delight (Andy White) 5:04
05. Nairod (Ray Codrington) 4:26
06. Polka Dots and Moonbeams (Burke-Van Heusen) 5:14
07. Delories (Andy White) 5:27
08. "S.D.D.S." (Andy White) 3:35
09. Alone Together (Dietz-Schwartz) 5:42
10. It Could Happen to You (Burke-Van Heusen) 5:57
11. Nikki Poo (Andy White) 5:57
12. Coltrane Lane (Ray Codrington) 6:54
13. Golden Earrings (Livingston-Evans-Young) 4:22
14. Django (John Lewis) 8:23