Choose your solo debut's rhythm section

[Brian]

So I just listened to "Recuerdo" by Chuck Mangione, his solo debut separate from his brother Gap. It was recorded under interesting circumstances.

Mangione, age 21, was asked by the label to choose all the players he wanted on his date! He asked for the great Wynton Kelly and Cannonball Adderley's bassist and drummer: Sam Jones, and Louis Hayes - and he got them all. The liner notes are almost 100% preoccupied with talking about how those superstars seemed to tolerate or maybe even enjoy sitting in on this young kid's recording date.

So let's say that - at any point in jazz history, you can choose when - you are a talented 21-year-old trumpeter or saxophonist, and you get offered the same deal by the record company for your solo album. You can choose your own pianist, bassist, drummer, maybe a guitar too. Who would you pick to back you up?

[king ubu]

That was certainly not Sonny's debut though (and if anyone I'd replace the bassist there ... Morrow has his part in the bigger picture, but later on Roach found much better bass players and adapted to their freer stylings, and he even won more freedom for himself in the process).

I guess today I'd pick between John Edwards/Steve Noble and John Edwards/Mark Sanders - the later has that luxurious perfection, the former a more old school kick ...

Other preferred option: Harry Miller/Louis Moholo

And yes, all those without piano (or guitar). Though having Chris McGregor/Miller/Moholo would definitely be a blast, too! And from there: McGregor/Johnny Dyani/Moholo, too.

If we travel back futher in time: Wilbur Ware/Philly Joe Jones ... with Kenny Drew.

And I guess Count Basie/Walter Page/Jo Jones, or maybe Johnny Guarnieri instead of Basie, would be fun to boot, also!

[Brian]

I revised my own OP to clarify "solo debut" because I knew someone would try that on me...

And I guess Count Basie/Walter Page/Jo Jones, or maybe Johnny Guarnieri instead of Basie, would be fun to boot, also!

Count Basie was marvelous in small ensembles. One of the '70s groups like Basie/Brown/Bellson might be fun.

[James]

Jazz is a collective effort, so these kind of  all-star things rarely eclipse a truly seasoned or simpatico band who know each other well and have that special chemistry .. I actually play electric guitar and in a parallel universe (where I'm a total bad ass musician on par with my genius level selections) if offered what you're describing I would pick Tony Williams on drums, Jaco Pastorius on bass, and Jan Hammer on keys.

[Mirror Image]

I'll be on the guitar of course with Dave Holland and Jack Dejohnette as my backing rhythm section. But why would I stop there? It's a fantasy right? I'd also have Matthias Eick (trumpet), John Surman (saxophones), Robin Eubanks (trombone), Kenny Wollesen (vibraphone), Mark Feldman (violin), Erik Friedlander (cello), and Carol Emanuel (harp) as members of my group. Basically, we'll be a chamber jazz ensemble playing not only my own compositions, but compositions from each member as well.

[NikF]

I'll be on the guitar of course with Dave Holland and Jack Dejohnette as my backing rhythm section. But why would I stop there? It's a fantasy right? I'd also have Matthias Eick (trumpet), John Surman (saxophones), Robin Eubanks (trombone), Kenny Wollesen (vibraphone), Mark Feldman (violin), Erik Friedlander (cello), and Carol Emanuel (harp) as members of my group. Basically, we'll be a chamber jazz ensemble playing not only my own compositions, but compositions from each member as well.

Of course. Good stuff.

[bwv 1080]

Can I have Ginger Baker & Africa '70?

[arkiv]

My rhythmic choice:

Mongo Santamaría: congas
Roberto Roena: bongos / cowbell
Tito Puente: timbales
Eddie Palmieri: piano
Bobby Valentin: bass
Johnny Pacheco: güiro

[Tom 1960]

Although they were known to work together on occasion, I'd feel pretty darn good having them on my session.
Wynton Kelly - piano
Paul Chambers - bass
Philly Joe Jones - drums

You want to add a guitarist? I'd take Grant Green.