The Rat Race Blues Explained

The Rat Race Blues is an album by American saxophonist Gigi Gryce recorded in 1960 for the New Jazz label.^{[1] [2]}

Reception

Harvey Pekar, writing in his four star review in the August 10, 1962 issue of Down Beat stated: "Gryce's major contributions to jazz have been made as an outstanding composer-arranger. But his writing ability notwithstanding... this is primarily a blowing session."^[3] AllMusic reviewer Scott Yanow awarded the album 4 stars stating "The group swings its way through two of Gryce's lesser-known originals and three then-recent obscurities. Interesting and generally fresh straight-ahead jazz."^[4]

Track listing

All compositions by Gigi Gryce except where noted

1. "The Rat Race Blues" – 6:35
2. "Strange Feelin (Sam Finch) – 7:45
3. "Boxer's Blues" – 6:58
4. "Blues in Bloom" (Norman Mapp) – 7:44
5. "Monday Through Sunday" (Mapp) – 11:09

Personnel

• • Gigi Gryce – alto saxophone Richard Williams – trumpet
• Richard Wyands – piano
• Julian Euell – bass
• Mickey Roker – drums

Notes and References

1. http://www.attictoys.com/GigiGryce/Gigi_Gryce_discography.php Gigi Gryce discography
2. http://www.jazzdisco.org/prestige-records/catalog-new-jazz-status-8200-8300-series/#njlp-8262 New Jazz Records discography
3. [Down Beat]
4. Yanow, S. AllMusic Review accessed May 31, 2013