J.C. Heard Octet - This Is Me, J.C. Heard
Released 1958
Recording and Session Information
Chicago, March 8 1958Joe Newman, trumpet; Bennie Powell, trombone; Frank Wess, alto, tenor saxophone, flute; Charlie Fowlkes, baritone saxophone; Ronnell Bright, piano; Johnny Pate, bass; Dave Heard, drums; J.C. Heard, drums, conga, vocals
8899 For You My Love
8900 Blues For Sale
Coastin' With J.C.
Nightingale
Heard The Word
Cuban chant
Idaho
| For You My Love | Paul Gayten | March 6 1958 |
| Coasting With J.C. | J.C. Heard | March 6 1958 |
| Nightingale | Cugat, Rosner, Wise-E.B. Marks | March 6 1958 |
| Heard The Word | Johnnie Pate | March 6 1958 |
| Cuban Chant | J.C. Heard | March 6 1958 |
| Blues For Sale | J.C. Heard | March 6 1958 |
| Idaho | Jesse A. Stone | March 6 1958 |
Liner Notes
THE THREE FACES OF J. C.STORE ALBUM SIDE THIS SIDE UP ->
When two or more "aficionados" of jazz congregate, it seems inevitable that a heated debate arises which goes something like this. "'Who do you dig the most on such and such an instrumenr?' 'I guess I dig so and so' 'Whaaaaat! Man, you must be out of your skull, that frame is a pale copy of you know who, etc. etc" ad nauseum. Of course, this is an exaggeration, but it is true that when jazz fans get together they often discuss their favorite musicians in a most animated manner. Let the subject of good drummers occasion, and the name J.C. Heard will drop from the lips of the speakers almost as often as drum beats.
That J.C. possesses one of the finest pairs of drum hands in the business, is a generally conceded fact among those who really dig. That there are a couple other facets, just as well polished, to this gem-like entertainer may be the cause of a few raised eyebrows but no great surprise to the knowers. Talent begets talent.
If you are fortunate enough to cacch Mr. Heard at a note club or show bar, be prepared to be immensely entertained by his consumate skill at tap-dancing. and perhaps he'll throw a swinging vocal your way. One's as good as the other: he does not miss. Aa a matter of fact, you are given an ample demonstration of his vocal talent on this and a bet that you'll really get with it.
Today, at 40, J.C has the appearance of a youthful Cab Calloway; and he can look back with satisfaction on a professional career of twenty-five years standing. The list of musicians and entertainers for whom he has kept the beat reads like a "Who's Who" in jazz.
After playing "money-gigs" for four years, he left his home town, Detroit at the age of nineteen (however, he was born in Dayton, Ohio) to travel with Teddy Wilson's band. From then until now, he has sparked the aggreptions of other such musical luminaries as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Coleman Hawkins, Cab Calloway, Dizzy Gillespie, Erroll Garner, Charlie Parker, Billie Holliday and more, many more. In 1945, J. C formed his own band, and he featured as vocalist athen little-known young lady, Sarah Vaughan. During these years of steady work, made numerous reconlings as a change from potatoes, he appeared in eight motion pictures.
In 1947, Norman Granz saw fit to require J.C.'s services on the J.A.T.P. tours. More people got to hear him; as a result his popularity soared, and this was evidenced by his various awards from Down Beat, Metronome, and Esquire magazines. In 1953, the J.A.T.P with J.C. emarked on a world tour which carried them through most of Europe, Scandinavia and thence to the Orient. While in Japan, Heard and the Philharmonic parted company and he spent the next three years enjoying enthusiastic public acclaim wherever he went (Japan, China, Australia, and points east). There was no dearth of work in these three years what with theater, nite club, concert and four movie appearances. However, fame couldn't offset the longing for home and back he came to an interesting variety of gigs and, his first gigs and, his first American LP recording with his own group.
The nucleus of the group are the horns of Frank Wess, Joe Newman, Bennie Powell, Charley Fowlke, who have in common; this LP, a warm friendship with J.C and the distinction of being an integral part of rhe Basie band. The rhythm section is comprised of Ronnell Bright, who is accompanist to Sarah Vaughan; Pat John's of Chicago and J.C, the guy who all these words are about. Incidentally, the tracks on which J. C. sings and plays congo and timbales, the drum seat is occupied by younger brother Dave Heard. Dave has nimbly followed in his brother's drum beats and now heads his own group in Detroit.
All arrangements on this recording date were done by John W. Pate Sr.
RAY GLASSMAN
JOHN W. PATE SR.—ARRANGER
JACK WIENER—RECORDING ENGINEER
W. HOPKINS—COVER DESIGN
DAVE USHER—PRODUCER
RECORDED MAR. 6, 1958
