Triple Threat is the fourth album by saxophonist Jimmy Heath featuring performances recorded in 1962 originally released on the Riverside label.[1]
Triple Threat | ||||
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Studio album by Jimmy Heath | ||||
Released | 1962 | |||
Recorded | January 4 & 7, 1962 New York City | |||
Genre | Jazz | |||
Length | 37:09 | |||
Label | Riverside RLP 400 | |||
Jimmy Heath chronology | ||||
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Triple Threat was a follow-up of Heath's 1961 album The Quota and used the same band.[2][3] The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings considers the line-up, which features Heath's brothers Percy and Albert, a "dry-run" for their later Heath Brothers records.[4] The album was recorded over two sessions in January 1962. Freddie Hubbard and Julius Watkins were not present for the second session when "The More I See You" was recorded.[5]
The song "Gemini" was written for Heath's daughter, Roslyn, whose star sign it was.[2]
The album title was an allusion to Heath's own status as a "triple threat": musician, arranger and composer.[6] In the album liner notes, Ira Gitler described Heath in the following way:
The triple threat in football must pass, punt, and run on a high level. Musically, Jimmy Heath approximates this by his composing, arranging and playing, all of which are ably and amply demonstrated here.[7]
Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Allmusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Cannonball Adderley recorded his own version of "Gemini" only 10 days after Heath's recording.[6] Shortly beforeTriple Threat was released in 1962, Adderly released a record featuring his version which somewhat overshadowed Heath's recording.[9]
Scott Yanow of Allmusic says, "The arrangements of Heath uplift the straightahead music and make each selection seem a bit special".[8] Billboard described the album as one of Heath's best sessions, praising his playing and the "directness, individuality and strength" of the compositions.[10]
In his autobiography, Heath, a Philadelphian, recalls his pride that he was gaining recognition in his hometown upon reading a positive review of the album in the Philadelphia Daily News.[2]
All compositions by Jimmy Heath except as indicated
Cedar Walton | |
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Year(s) indicated are for the recording(s), not first release. | |
As leader or co-leader |
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As sideman with Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers |
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With Art Farmer (or where stated), Benny Golson & The Jazztet |
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With Eddie Harris |
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With Billy Higgins |
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With Milt Jackson |
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With Etta James |
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With Clifford Jordan |
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With Blue Mitchell |
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With Houston Person |
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With others |
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Authority control ![]() |
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