Heard Around the World, Volume 3
Forever Jewell, 197?
From a series of 3 or 4 albums - all released with separate stock sleeves. This is actually Freddie Gambrell recording under an alias. I've found 3 of these albums so far and this volume is by far the best. Latin jazz sound plus some weird "wild west"-type tracks with crazy trumpet solos. All four LPs were recorded in SF and pop up around the Bay Area with some frequency. Not a great LP but a cool one.
This is me with him (Anna Cervantes)
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI was glad to read about this remarkable man with whom I share my surname. We were of the same era but I was never aware of his accomplishments. You did a great job of honouring your father.
James E Gambrell
I am just barely seeing this comment today. Thank you for your kind comments. Take care
ReplyDeleteI met Freddy at the Stew Den in Berkley California in 1960. I was in the Navy at the time stationed at what was then the Oakland Naval Air Station. I was so transfixed and amazed at his piano playing that I returned every night that I could get off the base for as long as he played there. He would often confound his bass player by changing keys in the middle of a number. He also chortled and laughed at his own improvisations when he was playing.
ReplyDeleteWe became friends and after my active duty hitch was over I returned home to Seattle, but stayed in touch with Freddy. At that time he had not yet changed his name to Federico Cervantes. I knew Charlie Puzzo who owned Charlie Puzzo's Penthouse, a jazz club in Pioneer Square then. It was 1961 and I got Freddy a gig at Charlie's club. I Drove Freddy around in my old jeep. I took him to an after hours club to play his trumpet one night after the Penthouse closed. It was disappointing because he didn't get to play. When he returned to the Bay Area I lost track of him. I later learned that he had changed his name. Many years later, I called the musician's union in San Francisco to try and locate him and was told that he had died. I was truly saddened to learn of his death and was sorry that I had waited too long to re-establish our friendship. He was one of the most amazing musicians I have ever heard. He played the piano in much the same style and virtuosity as Oscar Peterson, and Freddy was equally dexterous with both hands. I used to have his LPs, now long gone, but am glad to see that some of his music has been re-mastered and put on CDs. It is really nice to see his life and talent being finally acclaimed on the internet.
Hi Anna, I have to tell you I thought the world of your dad.
ReplyDeleteHe loved my guitar playing and I loved his piano and Trumpet Jazz Improv so we had a mutual admiration society. :-) I did several recording sessions with him. One in Oakland where I did a solo for "My one and only love" and your dad did the most amazing solo on Trumpet then we did a nice recording session at the "Bach Dynamite and Dancing Society" on the beach in Half Moon Bay with a Bassist and Drummer. I have so many great memories with your dad so you should be very proud of him. He was a very fine individual. GOD bless you. Raul David De La Rosa