Salt Song

Stanley Turrentine: Gibraltar & I Told Jesus
From: Salt Song [CTI, 1971]

As the art and title suggest, Salt Song, tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine's second album for CTI, is an earthy record; the album unfolds with a patient, almost tidal energy. It's a nice melange of Brazilian-influenced jazz, gospel, blues, and R&B with a touch of funk.

With a decade of Blue Note works behind him, Turrentine was already an accomplished musician at this point in his career. As such, his song selection, arrangements, and playing feel comfortable and unencumbered of any need to prove chops. As well, the performances tend to favor group dynamics rather than solo expositions. This benefits the listener because Turrentine has assembled a fine group of musicians, including: Ron Carter on bass, Billy Cobham and Airto Moriera on drums/percussion, Eumir Deodate on keys, and Eric Gale on guitar.

The opening track Gibraltar, a Freddie Hubbard piece, bounces & grooves along effortlessly on Carter's bass. Gale then steps in and delivers a stand-out performance. His understated tone, chord-voicing, and picking patterns really anchor the groove and establish an upbeat melodic sensibility that fills space without dominating the scene. Eric Gale is new to me so I did some research and discovered him to be a very respected session man; perhaps the most telling description is that he's known as a "guitarist's guitarist".

Turrentine then begins to take the reigns on the gospel standard I Told Jesus with some lovely, bluesy soloing. Margaret Branch, Brenda Bryant, and Patricia Smith provide the vocals. The singing on this album is really what makes this record find its way onto my turntable more often than other jazz records. I love instrumental music, but sometimes a human voice really opens up the experience. I'd be curious if any Earfuzz readers have suggestions for other jazz albums with well-timed vocal moments- preferably vocals with gospel leanings.