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Eddie Jefferson was one of the most innovative singers and lyricists in jazz history. He was the inventor of vocalese (writing words to the recorded solos of jazz greats), preceding Jon Hendricks and giving us “Moody's Mood For Love.” He continued writing and performing new lyrics throughout his life, which was tragically cut short. While he did not record an excess of albums, every record he made is strong with his final effort, The Main Man, being one of his best and serving as a retrospective of his career.
Born in 1918, Jefferson was originally a dancer. After hearing Charlie Parker, he began to switch his career towards singing. He did not have the greatest voice but it was very effective for what he wanted to do. Jefferson came up with the idea of creating new songs from the solos of his musical idols as early as 1939. It had been done before twice (once apiece by Bee Palmer and Marion Harris), but Jefferson never heard their obscure recordings. Although he was initially overshadowed by King Pleasure (who had the hit record of “Moody's Mood For Love”) and later by Jon Hendricks, everyone acknowledged Jefferson as the founder of vocalese. He mostly worked as a single during his career although he spent two periods working regularly with James Moody's band. His last few projects teamed him with altoist Richie Cole. He was shot to death in a still unsolved murder in 1979.
The Main Man was recorded two years earlier. Jefferson is joined by an all-star group that includes Cole, trumpeter Charles Sullivan, tenor-saxophonist Junior Cook, baritonist Hamiet Bluiett and trombonist Slide Hampton who provided the arrangements. Jefferson performs remakes of his hits along with newly penned lyrics.
Among the highlights are “Jeannine,” “Moody's Mood For Love” (with Janet Lawson taking the female vocal), “Body And Soul” (a tribute to Coleman Hawkins), “Benny's From Heaven” (which is frequently performed by James Moody), “Summertime” (based on the Miles Davis/Gil Evans recording) and a wild version of “Freedom Jazz Dance.”
Review
"Every selection on The Main Man is quintessential Eddie Jefferson, without a throwaway among the nine selections. There are short solos from the horn players (and pianist Harold Mabern), but the reason that this release is essential is that it lets one hear the great Eddie Jefferson at the peak of his powers. "-Scott Yanow
"One of the most innovative singers in jazz history, Eddie Jefferson had an average voice but always knew what to do with it. He was the inventor of vocalese (writing words to the recorded solos of jazz greats) and was a major influence on the vocalese singers who followed him including Jon Hendricks and Kurt Elling. The Main Man, from 1977, was Jefferson’s last recording and is one of his best. Serving as a fine summary of his life, Jefferson is heard on vocalese versions of “Jeannine,” his hit “Moody's Mood For Love,” “Body And Soul,” the humorous “Benny's From Heaven,” “Summertime” (based on the Miles Davis/Gil Evans recording) and an uninhibited version of “Freedom Jazz Dance.” Scott Yanow
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