Kai Winding and J.J. Johnson – Israel
Israel is a 1968 jazz album by renowned American trombonists Kai Winding and J.J. Johnson. Released on the CTI (Creed Taylor Inc.) label and distributed by A&M Records, the album marked a significant reunion for the duo, who were famous for their innovative "Jay and Kai" partnership in the 1950s.
Album Overview
Recording Details: The sessions took place on February 19 and March 4, 1968, at the legendary Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
Production Team: Produced by Creed Taylor and engineered by Rudy Van Gelder.
Personnel: The duo was supported by an elite rhythm section, including:
Herbie Hancock (Piano/Electric Piano/Harpsichord)
Ron Carter (Bass)
Grady Tate (Drums)
Eric Gale (Guitar)
Track Listing
The album consists of nine tracks featuring a mix of standard jazz tunes and contemporary pop covers of the era, such as:
My Funny Valentine
Israel (composed by John Carisi)
Catherine's Theme
Am I Blue / Sonnyboy
Never My Love
Saturday Night Is The Loneliest Night Of The Week
St. James Infirmary
Django
Try To Remember
Musical Style and Arrangements
The album features diverse arrangements. The title track, "Israel," along with "Saturday Night..." and "St. James Infirmary," were arranged by J.J. Johnson. Other tracks featured arrangements by Don Sebesky, often incorporating strings, flutes, and woodwinds to create a more lush, cinematic "CTI sound" typical of the label's late-60s output.
