Bop to the Top

Dive into the vibrant world of bebop and hard bop with Howard McGhee's "Bop to the Top," a captivating live album released on VintageVibe Records. This 2011 release celebrates the golden era of jazz, capturing the essence of the 1950s hard-bop vibe that defined a generation.

"Bop to the Top" features a stellar lineup of tracks, including "Willow Weep for Me," "Summertime," and "Lover, Come Back to Me," each performed with McGhee's signature energy and inventiveness. The album showcases McGhee's fuller tone and impeccable pitch, highlighting his mastery of the bebop and immediate post-bop eras. The last four tracks feature a different group, with McGhee joined by Dick Hyman on piano, Teddy Kotick on bass, and Roy Haynes on drums, adding a unique dimension to the album.

With a duration of one hour, this album is a treasure trove for jazz enthusiasts, offering a rich tapestry of melodies and rhythms that pay homage to the legends of the genre. Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "Bop to the Top" promises an engaging and enjoyable listening experience.

Howard McGhee, a pioneering figure in the bebop jazz scene, was one of the first American trumpeters to embrace and master this revolutionary style. Born in 1918, McGhee stood alongside legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Fats Navarro, known for his remarkable technical prowess, including lightning-fast fingering and the ability to hit impressively high notes. His influence on younger bebop trumpeters was significant, with Fats Navarro himself citing McGhee as an inspiration. McGhee's versatility allowed him to play with both speed and sweetness, from high to low registers, making him a standout in the bebop era. Despite his talent, McGhee's contributions are often overlooked, but his impact on jazz is undeniable. His discography, spanning from the mid-1940s to the 1950s, offers a rich exploration of bebop and hard bop, showcasing his unique voice and technical brilliance.