Milt Hinton – East Coast Jazz 5

AllMusic Review by Stephen Cook

This 1955 date finds the venerable jazz bassist in the choice company of clarinetist Tony Scott (listed as A.J. Sciacca), pianist Dick Katz, and drummer Ossie Johnson. Having already established himself as a veteran sideman after getting his start in the late '20s, Hinton marked the mid-'50s with some solo dates for Bethlehem label. This collection features several remastered tracks from this association, including the Hinton originals "Pik 'N' Pat" and "Upstairs with Milton." And while Scott and Katz avail themselves nicely on a smattering of solos, Hinton is the focus, displaying his deft bass work on every track with some extended soloing -- he even indulges in a bit of bowing on his own "Ebony Silhouette." Topped off with some fetching numbers by Katz and Scott, and handful of tasty covers, this Hinton disc makes for a perfect showcase of the master bassist's considerable talents.

00:00 A1 Mean To Me 04:14 A2 Pick 'N Pat 08:57 A3 Over The Rainbow 12:35 A4 Milt To The Hilt 16:11 A5 Don't Blame Me 18:40 B1 Katz' Meow (A Canon For Cats) 23:56 B2 Upstairs With Milt 26:11 B3 Ebony Silhouette 28:52 B4 Cantus Firmus 33:18 B5 These Foolish Things Bass – Milt Hinton Clarinet – A. J. Sciacca Drums – Osie Johnson Piano – Dick Katz Recorded
New York ,20 January 1955
Bethlehem Records