In January 1958, producer Orrin Keepnews brought pianist Wynton Kelly and guitarist Kenny Burrell into the studio. Although he had for years been a highly regarded sideman with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Young and Dinah Washington, the recording that resulted was only Kelly's second date as a leader. In 1951 Kelly had shown great promise, cutting his debut album at the age of twenty. Whisper Not showcases Kelly and Burrell in a trio setting with bassist Paul Chambers, and for one side adds drummer Philly Joe Jones. The tunes include Harold Arlen's "Ill Wind," Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain," and the title track, penned for the Gillespie band by Benny Golson. Unfortunately, Kelly is not given an opportunity to shine in a conventional piano trio setting with only bass and drums, a format in which he excelled. His distinctive drive and buoyant swing feel is in evidence, however, and despite a less than perfect audio mix (a bit dry), Whisper Not is recommended as an important recording in the oeuvre of Wynton Kelly. [Originally released in 1958, JVC Victor reissued the LP on CD in 1999 and added a bonus track.]
Lee BloomSource : http://www.allmusic.com/album/piano-whisper-not-mw0000206718
Wynton Kelly
Whisper Not
(VICJ-41729)
Tracks
1 Whisper Not (Golson) 7:12
2 Action (Kelly) 7:12
3 Dark Eyes (Trad.) 5:59
4 Strong Man (Brown Jr.) 5:17
5 Ill Wind (Arlen, Koehler) 4:25
6 Don't Explain (Holiday, Herzog) 5:36
7 You Can't Get Away (Kelly) 6:24
8 Dark Eyes [take 2] (Trad.) 5:19
*
Personnel*
Wynton Kelly - p
Kenny Burrell - g [# 1-3 & 8]
Paul Chambers - b
Philly Joe Jones - dr
Recorded in New York City ; January 31, 1958