Odds are most readers will be unfamiliar with John Park while a majority probably have never heard him play on albums. That's about to change, but first some background. Park was a lead alto saxophonist and occasional tenor saxophonist who is probably best known for joining Stan Kenton's Orchestra in 1973, just as Kenton was embarking on a tour of Britain and Europe.
While in the service in the early 1960s, Park had won the All Army Entertainment Contest but was given a medical discharged in 1965. He headed home to Missouri to perform at a local supper club and tour regionally with a trio. But nagging heart troubles convinced Park to give up touring altogether, and he settled in Houston, where he was a bright light on the jazz scene. [Photo above of John Park playing on the Ed Sullivan Show]
After moving to Dallas in early 1979, Park met tenor saxophonist Stan Getz, who had been hugely impressed by tapes he had heard of Park. They talked about recording together. But on Dec. 7, 1979, Park's heart stopped and he died. He was 45.
Park recorded only one known leadership album, and these live recordings were discovered only after his death. The posthumously LP release, If Winter Comes, appeared on the Jazz Mark label. Four of the album's seven tracks (I Love You, Spring Is Here, Joy Spring and I Can't Get Started) were recorded live in Kansas City, Missouri, during a concert in March 1975. On these, Park was joined by George Salisbury (p), Milt Abel (b) and Leon Brady (d). The balance (Autumn Leaves, My Funny Valentine and I'll Remember April) were recorded live at a restaurant in Texarkana, Ark., in February 1979, when Park was backed by Byron Atkins (g), Jimmy Allen (b) and Dave Daily (d).
I can't say enough about this album. It's an absolute treasure and has been hidden from the general jazz public long enough. I think you'll agree that Park's technique and feel rank him with any number of great alto saxophonists, including Phil Woods, Jimmy Ford and Sonny Stitt. Park's runs were flawless and his emotional feel just makes you want to cry.
As Getz wrote for the album's liner notes:
"In listening to the record, it appears to me that John Park was in possession of an inordinate amount of technique and excellent sound, and most important—SOUL. Hearing him again is a great reminder of why I went away impressed. It is certainly good luck that Jerry [Atkins, the album's co-producer] has located these tapes of a very under-recorded artist."
And how.
JazzWax tracks: This album hasn't made the jump to the digital format, and vinyl copies go for nearly $60—if you can find one. Hopefully someone in the States or abroad will make this and other material by Park available soon. Park was a monster and deserves to be celebrated.
JazzWax clips: Here's Joy Spring...
Here's My Funny Valentine...
And here's I'll Remember April...
Here's Park soloing with Stan Kenton in 1970 playing What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?...
And here's Park on Street of Dreams with Kenton...
JazzWax note: For more on John Park, visit his tribute page here.
from JazzWax http://ift.tt/25LlAt4
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