[Dixielandjazz] More on Pee Wee Russell

[Stephen G Barbone]

One of the neat things about Pee Wee Russell is that he kept  
experimenting with jazz. Like playing with Monk at The Newport Jazz  
Festival. He had a lot more to say than most of us.

He put out an album called "Ask Me Now", released in 1965, that had  
two of Monk's tunes in it. The title track, "Ask Me Now" and Monk's  
rework of Lady be good, called "Hackensack". If you can access  
Rhapsody, you can hear all of the songs on this album at:

http://www.rhapsody.com/pee-wee-russell/ask-me-now

It will surprise you. Be sure to listen to "Some Other Blues" as well  
as "Ask Me Now" and "Licorice Stick". Pee wee swings with boppish  
flavor. And his ensemble work is, as usual, superb whether or not you  
like the style.

He had his off days, like any of us. Especially if he had been  
drinking too much of his gin and milk concoction. And after his wife  
died, he sunk into a deeply depressed state. However, I'm with those  
who believe that he was a genius and well before his time. As Gerry  
Mulligan once said about him, "Harmonically, he is way ahead of me."

When you listen to a lot of Pee Wee Russell, you can clearly hear  
where Kenny Davern was coming from.  Especially on "Prelude to a Kiss"  
on this album. Similar note choice, similar feel, similar soul.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband