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Trombonist J.J. Johnson and tenor-saxophonist Al Cohn had several things in common. Both had risen to prominence originally during the bebop era. Johnson, who was the first trombonist to really understand how to play bebop, set the pace for other trombonists during the next half-century. His work with the big bands of Benny Carter and Count Basie, on the first Jazz At The Philharmonic concert, with Illinois Jacquet's very popular jump band, and particularly on recordings with the who's who of bop (including Charlie Parker) made him the leader on his instrument.
Al Cohn was one of several young tenor-saxophonists in the late 1940s who considered Lester Young to be their role model; others included Stan Getz and Zoot Sims. Cohn worked with such bands as those led by Joe Marsala, Georgie Auld, Boyd Raeburn and Buddy Rich. But he gained fame for his playing with Woody Herman's Second Herd (1948-49).
Another important trait that Johnson and Cohn shared was that they were both very talented arranger-composers. His writing is what set Cohn apart from Getz and Sims. In the 1950s, he worked as often as an arranger as he did as a player. Johnson, who found his greatest fame during 1956-58 when he co-led a popular two-trombone group with Kai Winding, spent much of the 1970s away from his trombone, writing for the studios. Fortunately he returned to playing in his later years and both he and Cohn were recording worthy sessions up until the end.
J.J. Johnson and Al Cohn did not work together all that often through the years, but they met up on a few occasions in 1954. Four of the seven selections on this reissue from Inner City's Jazz Legacy series have the pair joined by trumpeter Jerry Hurwitz, Gigi Gryce (making rare appearances on baritone rather than alto), pianist Henri Renaud, bassist Curley Russell and drummer Walter Bolden. The relaxed bop playing fits very much into the mainstream of 1950s jazz, with Johnson and Cohn taking thoughtful solos in which every note counts.
In addition, this CD has two ballads (“The Things We Did Last Summer” and “Once In A While”) that showcase Cohn with a quartet, and an alternate take of “If I Had You” from a date otherwise fully reissued on the J.J. Johnson/Milt Jackson Jazz Legacy CD A Date In New York.
"Trombonist J.J. Johnson and tenor-saxophonist Al Cohn were both important soloists who were also significant arranger-composers. Their musical paths did not cross all that often through the years, but in 1954 they recorded the rewarding music included on this CD. Four of the seven selections team them in a septet for some relaxed and thoughtful bop. In addition, Cohn is showcased with a quartet on two ballads and there is an additional selection (an alternate take of “If I Had You”) from a session otherwise made available on the J.J. Johnson/Milt Jackson Jazz Legacy CD A Date In New York. J.J. Johnson and Al Cohn are very complementary on their numbers together, performing sophisticated and quietly passionate music.
J.J. Johnson and Al Cohn were also notable for their consistency and high musicianship. They are both in excellent form throughout these formerly rare sessions." – Scott Yanow
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