Johnson's Whacks

• Track Listing

Washington D.C. native James "Osie" Johnson was one of Jazz music's great Swing drummers. From 1951 to 1953 Johnson worked with the great Earl Hines and Illinois Jacquet during the 1950 's and can be heard on albums by Mose Allison, Zoot Sims, Paul Gonzalves and many others. Osie went on to become one of New York's most in demand studio and television drummers. His arrangements included a hit by singer Dinah Washington, "Fool That I Am." Presented here is his classic 1955 album featuring two different units. On "Johnson's Whacks," "Osmosis" and "Flute to Boot" the combo is the Osie Johnson Quintet featuring Benny Powell (trombone) Frank Wess (tenor sax, flute) Dick Katz (piano) Eddie Jones (bass) and Osie Johnson (drums). The remaining tracks feature Osie's Sextet: Thad Jones (trumpet) Bill Hughes (trombone on "Catwalk") Henry Coker (trombone on "I Don't Want to Cry Anymore) Frank Wess (tenor sax, flute) Dick Katz (piano) Milt Hinton (bass) Osie Johnson (drums, vocal). Recorded in NYC, February, 1955. All selections newly re-mastered. [Note: This product is an authorized CD-R and is manufactured on demand].