“Weary Land Blues” – J. C. Higginbotham Quintet

For all who have been working hard in stressful times – pour yourself a drink, sit right down, and dig “Weary Land Blues” – the chillest cool jam from 1939 by J.C. Higginbotham Quintet on @bluenoterecords

Featuring guitarist Teddy Bunn, pianist Albert Ammons, and trombonist J. C. Higginbotham, this quiet unassuming little improvisation slowly builds its story – and by the end leaves you wishing it wasn’t over. Certainly, at the time it was recorded, the world was about to change irrevocably.

Bunn’s understated guitar drips with weariness yet manages to capture a feeling we’ve all felt, setting the tone for the band. Ammons shows us that a fast and loud boogie-woogie player can bring it down to a quiet whisper. Higginbotham deftly demonstrates the beauty and soul that the trombone is capable of delivering.

Recorded in New York on April 7, 1939.
Released as Blue Note 501 – this pressing is slightly later – probably from 1940-41.

Credits:
J. C. Higginbotham – trombone
Albert Ammons – piano
Teddy Bunn – guitar
John Williams – bass
Sidney Catlett – drums