Ike Quebec - It Might As Well Be Spring (1964) [Analogue Productions 2010] PS3 ISO + DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Two weeks after Ike Quebec recorded his comeback album Heavy Soul for Blue Note, he was back at the Van Gelder Studio with the same band (Freddie Roach, Milt Hinton and Al Harewood), making a second album. The confidence paid off because It Might As Well Be Spring is every bit the classic the first album proved to be. Quebec's big-toned, vulnerable tenor playing is a thing to behold, as his heart-stopping version of the title tune, "Lover Man" and "Willow Weep For Me" attest. "Easy – Don't Hurt" is one of his blues masterpieces.

Working with the same quartet that cut Heavy Soul – organist Freddie Roach, bassist Milt Hinton and drummer Al Harewood – Ike Quebec recorded another winning hard bop album with It Might As Well Be Spring. In many ways, the record is a companion piece to Heavy Soul. Since the two albums were recorded so close together, it's not surprising that there a number of stylistic similarities, but there are subtle differences to savor. The main distinction between the two dates is that It Might As Well Be Spring is a relaxed, romantic date comprised of standards. It provides Quebec with ample opportunity to showcase his rich, lyrical ballad style, and he shines throughout the album. Similarly, Roach has a tasteful, understated technique, whether he's soloing or providing support for Quebec. The pair have a terrific, sympathetic interplay that makes It Might As Well Be Spring a joyous listen.

Tracklist:

01. It Might as Well Be Spring
02. A Light Reprieve
03. Easy - Don't Hurt
04. Lover Man
05. Ol' Man River
06. Willow Weep for Me

Personnel
Ike Quebec - tenor saxophone
Freddie Roach - organ
Milt Hinton - bass
Al Harewood - drums

Recorded on December 9, 1961 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
Mastered for this SACD by Kevin Grey and Steve Hoffman at Acoustech Mastering, Camarillo, CA.


Thanks to PS³SACD!
Uncompressed SACD ISO size > 1,43 GB
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