Ike Quebec - Blue & Sentimental (1963)

You didn't ask how I store my CDs, but I'm going to tell you anyway. I have them divided into five sections: classical, various artists compilations, soundtracks, Christmas, and everything else (rock, pop, jazz, blues, etc.). Within sections, they are alphabetized by composer, movie title, or artist name. Artists whose names begin with a "Q" make up the smallest section on the shelves, so it's a landmark day here at blog headquarters because, after 1722 posts, I'm finally featuring an artist from that small "Q" section.

Quebec was a popular big band musician in the '40s and into the early '50s before being derailed by a heroin addiction. He began a comeback on the Blue Note label in the early '60s before his death in January 1963, at the age of 44, from lung cancer. On this posthumously-released album of ballads and standards, Quebec plays tenor and the occasional piano, Grant Green on guitar, Paul Chambers on bass, Philly Joe Jones on drums. Recorded December, 1961, released 1963. The band cooks, Quebec had a meaty tone that's perfect for these tunes, but it's Green who steals the show on most tracks. Most critics agree that Blue & Sentimental is Quebec's best album and they'll get no argument from me.

As is the custom with Blue Note's Rudy Van Gelder Editions, we're provided with the original album liner notes by Ira Gitler as well as newer notes from noted jazz critic Bob Blumenthal.

Reviews/ratings:

• Billboard: "he plays his heart out on this album"
• CashBox: "his most accomplished achievement"
• The Rolling Stone Jazz & Blues Album Guide (1999) (★★★★): "shows him at his best"
• The Virgin Encyclopedia of Jazz (1999): ★★★★

In 1987, this album was selected by Blue Note as one of the 25 Best Albums on the label.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: Did not chart

Tracks: Based on personal experience, both the sultry title track and Don't Take Your Love From Me are fantastic late-night tunes. Other top tracks are Count Every Star and the Green-penned Blues For Charlie.

Bonus tracks: When you're listening to an album with bonus tracks tacked on to the end, you can usually tell when the bonus tracks begin. Not the case here. The two tracks here, That Old Black Magic and It's All Right With Me not only fit right in, they're fantastic.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: none