(Soul Jazz, Hard Bop) Morris Nanton Trio - The Original Jazz Performance of Roberta - 1958 (2012 Japan Edition), FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

When Jerome Kern's "Roberta" opened on Broadway on November 18, 1933, few realized that they were witnessing what was to become one of the best-loved musicals of all time. Had Kern written only the score of "Roberta" it would have been enough to establish him as a composer of unusual gifts. For this is one of the few shows that can boast such a long list of all-time favorites. Each of the songs heard in this album by the Morris Nanton Trio is as fresh today as it was in the fall of 1933.
The plot of "Roberta" is one of those improbable stories which abound in the history of the musical comedy. It concerns the inheritance of a fashionable Paris dressmaking establishment by an American football player and his romance with one of the employees. Granted a plot such as this could leave much to be desired - but surely it would seem that no one could quibble with Mr. Kern's lovely music. Nevertheless, it seems that while "Roberta" was in rehearsal the director made repeated demands that, among other things, "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" be eliminated from the show. We can be grateful today that Mr. Kern stood firm in his resolve, and that this beautiful song remained to be the biggest of several hits in the show.
Broadway shows have long been a source of repertoire for the jazz musician, and in recent years there have been many jazz versions of individual Broadway shows. Unfortunately, most of these shows do not lend themselves to jazz interpretation. One reason is that the jazz musician depends on a strong harmonic background as well as a first-class melody; many show tunes are weak in this respect, particularly harmonically. Such is not the case with these great songs from "Roberta" for this is a score rich in harmony and filled with melodic grace.
This album is a good example of how a good score can inspire a musician. Pianist, Morris Nanton walked into the studio and recorded this album in its entirety in less than two hours. In most cases only one take was needed to produce each of the selections. Repeats were required only to familiarize the sidemen (bassist Norman Edge and drummer Charlie Persip) with Morris' "head" arrangements.
The result is a brilliant and deeply rewarding performance. "Legs" (as the tall, lean Mr. Nanton is known to his friends) was in exceptional form throughout, and among the noteworthy contributions of his accompanists one should savor Norman Edge's solo first chorus on "Yesterdays" and Charlie PerSip's tasty virtuoso drumming on the polyrhythmic "Touch of Your Hand".
The original cast performance of "Roberta" focused well-deserved attention on three gifted young unknowns: Bob Hope, George Murphy, and Fred MacMurray. We feel that this original jazz performance will do the same for Morris Nanton.