Jimmy Raney - Momentum (1975/2016) [HDtracks]

The New York Times tagged Jimmy Raney as “one of the most gifted and influential postwar jazz guitarists in the world”. After working with the likes of Stan Getz and Red Norvo in the 1950’s, Raney found himself working in pit bands and backing singers in order to support his family. His inability to find a creative outlet in New York coupled with abusive drinking sent Raney back to his hometown Louisville, Kentucky in late 60’s. This 1974 recording for MPS represents Raney’s return to the forefront of jazz guitarists.
Two top jazz musicians partner with Raney. Bassist Richard Davis’ credentials include such disparate players as Eric Dolpy, Sarah Vaughn and singer Van Morrison. Rolling Stone called Davis’ playing on Morrison’s Astral Weeks “the greatest bass ever heard on a rock album”. Drummer Alan Dawson worked with Dave Brubeck and Sonny Rollins. Momentum highlights Raney’s sophisticated chords and flowing melodic lines, and Raney and Davis render poignant interpretations of the beautiful ballad Autumn in New York. The quick and clean The Best Thing for You is Me features Dawson’s scintillating brush solo. Nobody Else but Me sways comfortably with a bossa beat, and Raney’s We’ll Be Together silhouettes the guitarist at his expressive, romantic best. Just Friends flows with just the right bittersweet feel – sad that it’s over, but then, there is the pleasure of knowing you can listen to Raney and partners again and again.
This 1974 session marked a comeback for Jimmy Raney, following his long layoff from the music business in order to make a full recovery from alcoholism. Accompanied by bassist Richard Davis and drummer Alan Dawson, the guitarist is in terrific form as he explores several standards, a bossa nova-flavored 'Nobody Else but Me,' and a driving take of 'Just Friends.' He composed the other two works heard on the date. His piece, ''Momentum,' is a reworking of an earlier original he called 'Motion,' both of which are obviously based upon the chord changes to 'You Stepped Out of a Dream.' 'We'll Be Together' is an original ballad (set to words he wrote earlier, according to liner-note writer Ira Gitler), though it sounds as if it was partially inspired by 'Autumn in New York'; it also features a strong solo by Davis. Originally released on MPS and reissued by Pausa, this record has been unavailable for quite some time, but it can be found with a diligent search.