‘Big ‘P’, by The Jimmy Heath Orchestra
James Edward Heath (1926, a.k.a. ‘Little Bird’) was the brother of bassist Percy Heath (1923-2005) and drummer Albert ‘Tootie’ Heath (1935).
Called ‘Little Bird’ because of the similarity in his playing to Charlie Parker, Heath switched to tenor in the early 1950’s. Although out of action for a few years due to ‘personal problems’, Heath wrote for Chet Baker and Art Blakey during 1956-1957. Back in action in 1959, he worked with Miles Davis briefly that year, in addition to Kenny Dorham and Gil Evans, and started a string of impressive recordings for Riverside. In the 1960’s, Heath frequently worked with Milt Jackson and Art Farmer, and he also worked as an educator and a freelance arranger. During 1975-1982, he teamed up with brothers Percy and Tootie in the Heath Brothers, and since then has remained active as a saxophonist, writer and professor of the Aaron Copland School of Music.
Orrin Keepnews from Riverside Records made the decision on a limited budget in 1960 to provide Jimmy with a full tentet mini-big band to highlight Heath’s writing and arranging expertise. It might not sound like a radical idea now to record Heath with a ten piece orchestra playing mostly his own compositions and arrangements, but back in 1960, jazz was the purview of the small group, generally sextet or smaller.
Today’s track ‘Big P’, written by Jimmy, is a tribute to his brother Percy, who also introduces the track.
Jimmy Heath - Tenor Saxophone
Julian ‘Cannonball’ Adderley - Alto Saxophone
Pat Patrick - Baritone Saxophone
Clark Terry - Trumpet
Nat Adderley - Cornet
Dick Berg - French Horn
Tom McIntosh - Trombone
Tommy Flanagan - Piano
Percy Heath - Bass
Albert ‘Tootie’ Heath - Drums
