George Braith: Extension (Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series) LP

Blue Note, 1967

Between September 1963 and March 1964, the singular New York City-born saxophonist George Braith recorded three Blue Note sessions that introduced an utterly unique creative viewpoint. Perhaps best known for his predilection for performing multiple instruments at the same time, à la Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Braith eventually invented a double horn he named the Braithophone. On Extension, the last of his Blue Note albums and arguably his finest, Braith can be heard on tenor, soprano, and alto saxophone, joined by Grant Green on guitar, Billy Gardner on organ, and Clarence Johnston on drums. The album was rooted in soul jazz, but Braith’s adventurous spirit led the music into unexpected realms on distinctive originals like “Nut City,” “Out Here,” and “Extension.” The album offered more reflective moments as well, such as on the expressive ballad “Ethlyn’s Love,” dedicated to his mother, and the laid-back “Sweetville.” Braith’s personality shines through on the closer, a madcap romp through Cole Porter’s “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye.”