Frank Butler - The Stepper - Xanadu Master Edition CD

Xanadu Master Edition CD

“The greatest drummer in the world.” That’show Xanadu’s Frank Butler was describedby “Papa” Jo Jones, linchpin of the great Count Basie band and founder of modern jazz drumming. Like Jones, a product of the fertile Kansas City jazz scene that gave us, among countless others, Basie, Lester Young, and Charlie Parker, Butler has long been considered by his peers to be one of the most accomplished, sensitive, and, above all, thoroughly musical dummers in all jazz. In 1974 Don Schlitten, a longtime admirer of Butler’s, brought him out of retirement for a session with Teddy Edwards; then, into the Xanadu Family, featuring him initially on Dolo Coker’s albums, then here, for his first album as a leader. For that special date, Schlitten chose three players who are compatible with Butler’s musical philosophy as well as with him personally: Dolo Coker, Jack Motrose and Monty Budwig. “The Stepper” is the drummer’s very first album as a leader. This unearthed gem reminds us of just how brilliant the underrated Butler was at the top of his game.

Tracklist:

1. THE STEPPER 20:01
2. AU PRIVAVE 4:50
3. CAPTAIN KIDD 5:54
4. EASY LIVING 5:43
5. URBANE 8:34

Personnel:

FRANK BUTLER, drums JACK MONTROSE, tenor saxophone DOLO COKER, piano MONTY BUDWIG, bass.

Credits:

Recorded by Arne Frager at Spectrum Studios,Venice, California, November 19, 1977.Mixed by Paul Goodman in NYC(RCA) Produced & Directed by Don Schlitten Cover & Inlay Photos: Don Schlitten. Reissue Produced for Release by Zev Feldman Executive Producer: Jordi Soley.