In the jazz entourage, most guitarists because of their own specific problems, form a quite marginal gang. Their proudness dwells in harmonic discoveries (worked out chords, original chains of notes) that seem ridiculous to pianists or arrangors. It is true that the guitar, despite its reputation, is quite difficult to play in jazz. Requiring amplification because of its lack of power, the guitarist must face serious problemes : Volume and timbre control, choice of equipement. One can easily understand that the style of Jazz guitarists has evolved with technical improvement, which improvement has gradually altered their conception of the guitar. In short, one can distinguish two major influences : The one of Charlie Christian whose style born from electrification, takes no longer heed of traditional guitaristic procedures but identifies itself with the piano style (absence of vibrato, linear playing uniform sound). Following this tendancy are Tiny Grimes, Slim Gaillard, Irving Asby, John Collins, Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis, Billy Mackel, Jimmy Raney, Tal Farlow and bluesmen T. Bone Walker. The one of Django Reinhardt, acoustic guitarist, whose approach of the guitar has only slightly altered with the use of amplifiers. His original style and variety of expression remain intact. Others followers : Les Paul, Al Casey, Georges Barnes, Oscar Moore, Bill Jennings, Johnny Smith, Elek Bacsik, Joe Pass, and Bluesman B.B. King. But there are few jazzmen who managed profit from both influences and those who ; have succeded are mostly guitarists having played with organists : Floyd Smith (with Wild Bill Davis) Kenny Burrell (Jimmy Smith) Grant Green (Baby "Face" Vilette) René Thomas (Lou Bennett) Wes Montgomery (Melvin Rhyne) and Billy Butler (Bill Doggett). The reason for this is because the organ requires lyrical and rythmical guitar playing and this has been full filled by guitarist Billy Butler who accompanies Wild Bill Davis organ Pioneer. Born in 1925 in Philadelphia Billy Butler begins in the Harlemaires trio (40's), plays later on with Dinah Washington and Johnny Hodges, he reveals himself with organist Bill Doggett (54 to 64). In this recording Billy Butler shows constant inspiration and varied technique his approaches are authoritative and his sound on the electric guitar is full thanks to his long experience. Total harmony exists between Wild Bill Davis, Oliver Jackson, Eddie Davis, and Billy Butler. Who is Billy Butler ? Quite an orator.
Alain Antonietto (English translation by Steven Wilson)
Billy Butler
Don't Be that Way
Tracks
1 Don't Be that Way (Goodman, Sampson, Parrisch) 6:07
2 Jelly, Jelly (Brown) 6:15
3 Lullabies in Rhythm (Goodman, Samspn, Profit, Hirsch) 6:22
4 Straighten Up and Fly Right (Mills, Cole) 4:34
5 You Go to my Head (Coots, Gillespie) 5:29
6 (Back Home Again in) Indiana (Hanley, Mac Donald) 4:04
7 Blues for Marian (Butler) 6:14
*
Personnel
Billy Butler - g
Wild Bill Davis - org
Oliver Jackson - dr
special guest Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis - ts
Recorded at Barclay's Studios , France ; February 1, 1976