The original Candid label lasted a mere four years, from 1960 to 1964, but its 30-some LPs played a worthy role in fusing the period's music, mainly modern jazz but also blues, with the burgeoning civil rights movement. Candid achieved legendary status, the series was born in 1960 when Archie Bleyer decided to indulge his love of jazz and blues and create his own releases, produced by Nat Hentoff.

• All Analog Mastering
• Mastered by Bernie Grundman
• Cut Directly From The Original Master Tapes
• Deluxe tip-on cover
• 180 Gram Vinyl
• Plating at RTI, USA
• Liner notes by Nat Hentoff
• Made in USA

The original Candid record label lasted a mere four years, from 1960 to '64, and its 30-some LPs played a worthy role in fusing the period's music — mainly modern jazz but also blues — with the burgeoning civil rights movement.

The American Candid label has achieved a near legendary status among the critics and the International jazz and blues public. The series was born in 1960 when Archie Bleyer, owner of the Cadence label decided to indulge his love of jazz and blues and create his own line — called Candid. Bleyer recruited Hentoff to produce the series.

Out Front is probably the greatest realization on record of trumpeter Booker Little’s scope as a musician and composer. It is also one of only five sessions led by Little as a band leader before his premature death at the age of 23 in 1961.

The fact that this is only Little’s third outing as a leader is further testament to the talents of this young artist. Arguably, the seven original compositions here might be more widely known today had his life not been so tragically cut short.

Little is mostly known for this association with Max Roach, who he began playing with as early as 1955. But it was not until 1958 that he officially joined Roach’s outfit and began recording with him. Little made 8 albums with Roach between 1958 and 1961. And it is Roach’s ground breaking We Insist! album that is the precursor to the Out Front sessions, as this is where Little’s talents fully caught the attention of Candid Records’ A&R and producer Nat Hentoff.

The sextet on these dates include the great Max Roach on drums, Eric Dolphy on reeds, and Julian Priester on drums. At the time, a growing number of younger jazz artists were exploring ways to further expand the range and depth of communication in jazz. This album is a perfect example of that “new wave.”

Born in Memphis, Little started out on trombone and then clarinet before taking up the saxophone. While studying formally at the Chicago Conservatory, Little met Sonny Rollins, who was notably a huge influence on Little’s development as an artist, and who introduced him to Max Roach.

Recorded at the Nola Penthouse Sound Studios, in New York City and produced by Hentoff in the spring of 1961, the album was released just months before Little’s passing later that year.

The LP includes extraordinary liner notes written by Hentoff himself, giving a context and insight that adds to the experience of hearing these magnificent performances.

Booker Little, Eric Dolphy, Art Davis, Ron Carter, Max Roach, Don Friedman, Julian Priester

Musicians:

Booker Little - trumpet
Eric Dolphy - alto, bass clarinet, flute
Julian Priester - trombone
Max Roach - drums, tympani, vibes
Art Davis, Ron Carter - bass
Don Friedman - piano

Track Listing:

1. We Speak
2. Strength And Sanity
3. Quiet, Please
4. Moods In Free Time
5. Man Of Words
6. Hazy Hues
7. A New Day

Click here to listen to samples on YouTube.com ♫