KEN GRAYSON MILLS
Ken Grayson Mills (1937-2004) is a name that should be known by anyone interested in New Orleans jazz of the 1960s. He helped found Preservation Hall in 1961 and on around 13 LPs for his Icon label during 1960-67 he documented the playing of a variety of New Orleans musicians, some of whom might not have been recorded at all if it were not for him.
Ken Grayson Mills – An Epilogue is a historically significant CD that features three of Mills’ projects, all focusing on clarinetists. Israel Gorman’s Pontchartrain Pals was a trio featuring clarinetist Gorman and a pair of British musicians (trumpeter Jim Holmes and banjoist John Coles). Gorman made other recordings in 1954 and during 1961-63 but these ten performances (none previously out on CD and two formerly unreleased) feature him in his most intimate setting. He mostly harmonizes quite well behind Holmes’ lead, takes concise solos, and his interaction with the trumpeter (with the only backing being by the banjoist) is delightful.
Steve Angrum only made three sessions in his life, a date with Percy Humphrey in 1953 and two from just a few months before his death in 1961 including three duets with banjoist George Gusenon. Nine titles had been issued from the Aug. 6, 1961, session with a band featuring either Punch Miller or Kid Sheik Cola on trumpet. This release has “Ice Cream” (not previously ou
