“The Jazz Soul Of Porgy & Bess” is an album by Bill Potts, recorded on January 13, 14, and 15, 1959, at Webster Hall, New York, and originally released on United Artists Records (UAS 5012). The Jazz Workshop Vinyl reissue as a 180-gram audiophile LP (JW-111) revives this record with remastering that emphasizes the orchestral sound’s lushness. The lineup features a large ensemble, including Phil Woods (alto saxophone), Zoot Sims (tenor saxophone), Art Farmer (trumpet), Bill Evans (piano), and Charlie Persip (drums). The album offers jazz interpretations of George Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess, including Summertime and Bess, You Is My Woman Now. The music is big-band jazz with hard-bop elements, with Potts’s arrangements bringing Gershwin’s melodies to life. The Jazz Workshop reissue, limited to 500 copies, is prized for its detailed sound, capturing the orchestra’s energy. “The Jazz Soul Of Porgy & Bess” is a stunning record, showcasing Potts’s genius.
Bill Potts (April 3, 1928 – February 15, 2005) was an American jazz arranger, composer, and pianist, known for his work with large ensembles. Born in Arlington, Virginia, he began playing piano in his youth, inspired by Duke Ellington and Count Basie. In the 1950s, Potts became a notable figure, collaborating with Woody Herman and Stan Kenton, and crafting arrangements for major orchestras. His style featured rich harmonies and inventive orchestrations, highlighting jazz’s melodic power. Potts recorded several albums as a leader, including The Jazz Soul Of Porgy & Bess, which earned him acclaim for reimagining Gershwin’s opera. Later, he taught, sharing his expertise.
TRACKLIST
Side One:
1. Summertime 5:26
2. A Woman Is a Sometime Thing 2:19
3. My Mans Gone Now 4:09
4. It Takes a Long Pull to Get Here 2:42
5. I Got Plenty o Nuttin 3:25
6. Bess, You Is My Woman 5:16
7. It Aint Necessarily So 3:13
Side Two:
1. Medley: 5:13
– Minor Themes
– Prayer
– Strawberries
– Honey Man
– Crab Man
2. I Loves You, Porgy 3:02
3. Clara, Clara 3:37
4. Theres a Boat Dats Leavin Soon for New York 3:23
5. Oh Bess, Oh, Wheres My Bess 4:38
6. Oh Lawd, Im on My Way 3:21
Personnel:
Charlie Shavers, Harry Edison, Bernie Glow, Art Farmer, Markie Makowitz (trumpets), Bob Brookmeyer (valve trombone), Frank Rehak, Earl Swope, Jimmy Cleveland (trombones), Rod Levitt (bass trombone), Phil Woods, Gene Quill (alto saxes), Zoot Sims, Al Cohn (tenor saxes), Sol Schlinger (baritone sax), Bill Evans (piano), Herbie Powell (guitar), George Duvivier (bass), Charles Persip (drums).
Recorded at Webster Hall, New York City, January 13, 14 & 15, 1959
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