Composer / pianist John Benson Brooks (1917-1999) gained fame early on as a songwriter for Frank Sinatra and others. In the 50s and 60s he also made 3 jazz records.
Claude Thornhill Orchestra: “The Happy Stranger” (John Benson Brooks)
Soloist: Claude Thornhill, piano. Arrangement: Gil Evans. (2.37)
from the CD The Transcription Performances 1947 HEP CD 60
Gil Evans Orchestra: “Where Flamingos Fly” (John Benson Brooks); soloist Jimmy Knepper (trombone). Arrangement: Gil Evans. (5.11)
from the CD Out of the Cool Impulse IMPD-186
John Benson Brooks Ensemble:
> “The New Saints” (John Benson Brooks) (2.13)
> “Venezuela
” (John Benson Brooks) (4.28)
> “Black is the Color” (John Benson Brooks) (3.09)
> “Turtle Dove” (John Benson Brooks) (3.10)
from the LP Folk Jazz U.S.A. VIK LX-1083
Performers: John Benson Brooks (leader, piano, compositions, arrangements); Zoot Sims (alto saxophone); Al Cohn (baritone saxophone); Nick Travis (trumpet); Barry Galbraith (guitar); Buddy Jones (contrabass); Osie Johnson (drums).
John Benson Brooks Ensemble:
> “The Henry John Story” (John Benson Brooks) (4.52)
> “The Henry John Story(return)” (John Benson Brooks) (3.20)
> “Job’s Red Wagon” (John Benson Brooks) (3.14)
> “Trampin’ ” (John Benson Brooks) (7.55)
> “The Loop
” (John Benson Brooks) (2.23)
from the CD Alabama Concerto Riverside OJCCD-1779-2.
Performers: John Benson Brooks (leader, piano, compositions, arrangements); Julian Adderley (alto saxophone); Art Farmer (trumpet); Barry Galbraith (guitar);Milt Hinton (contrabass).
Gil Evans Orchestra: “Sirhan’s Blues” (John Benson Brooks)
Arrangement: Gil Evans. (7.42)
from the CD Live at the Public Theatre / N.Y.C. Vol. 1 Storyville STCD 5005
Claude Thornhill Orchestra: “Sunday Drivin’ ” (John Benson Brooks); Gene Williams (vocals). Arrangement: Gil Evans. (2.27)
from the CD The Transcription Performances 1947, HEP CD 60
