Caravan

Gordon Jenkins (1910-1984), the great arranger / writer / conductor / pianist primarily associated with the careers of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Judy Garland, was a longtime fan of the Count Basie band, and a great admirer of alto man Marshall Royal (1912-1995), the elder brother of trumpeter Ernie Royal. Royal joined the Basie band in 1951, replacing Buddy DeFranco as clarinetist with the Count's septet, which Basie had formed when he had to break up his big band. When the Basie band was reformed the following year, Royal stayed on as lead alto saxophonist and music director - a post he held up until 1970. This wonderful 1960 session from which this single was culled, a pet project and a genuine labor of love for Jenkins, would become part of only one of a very few solo albums that Marshall Royal made in his career and should be cherished by real jazz fans everywhere for it's undeniable elegance. Presented here is a beautiful reading of Ellington's "Caravan", coupled with "Ain't Misbehavin'" featuring Jenkins' masterful arrangements and the golden alto sax of Marshall Royal. Newly remastered.