ProJazz.net

Time Out for Toots (often referred to as Time For Toots) is a landmark 1958 jazz album by legendary Belgian jazz musician Toots Thielemans, released under Decca Records. Celebrated as part of Decca’s “Mood Jazz in Hi-Fi” series, the album showcases Thielemans’ pioneering mastery of the chromatic harmonica alongside his self-taught guitar skills.

The album seamlessly blends elements of Swing, Bop, and Cool Jazz. The sessions were recorded in New York City across January and February of 1958, utilizing two primary lineups arranged by Ralph Burns:
• The Quartet Sessions: Featuring a foundational rhythm section with Hank Jones (piano), Doug Watkins (bass), and Art Taylor (drums). Note: Alternate pressings/releases also credit contributions from Kenny Drew and Wilbur Ware.
• The Octet Sessions: Expanding the quartet with a rotating brass and saxophone section that boasted jazz titans Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, and Urbie Green.

Track listing

A1 The Nearness Of You 3:20
A2 In A Sentimental Mood 3:13
A3 You Took Advantage Of Me 2:40
A4 Cool And Easy 2:52
A5 Body And Soul 2:18
A6 The Cuckoo In the Clock 4:08
B1 Tangerine 2:35
B2 Early Autumn 3:43
B3 Them There Eyes 2:36
B4 A Handful Of Stars 3:28
B5 Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man 3:00
B6 Clap Yo’ Hands 2:41

Personnel

Arranged By – Ralph Burns (tracks: A1, A3, A5, A6, B2 to B4, B6)
Baritone Saxophone – Danny Banks (tracks: A3, B2, B3, B6)
Bass – Doug Watkins
Drums – Art Taylor
Guitar – Barry Galbraith (tracks: A3, B2, B3, B6), Bucky Pizzarelli (tracks: A1, A5, A6, B4), Toots Thielemans (tracks: A5, A6, B2, B4)
Harmonica – Toots Thielemans
Piano – Hank Jones
Saxophone – Al Epstein (tracks: A3, B2, B3, B6)
Tenor Saxophone – Al Cohn (tracks: A3, B2, B3, B6), Zoot Sims (tracks: A3, B2, B3, B6)
Trombone – Billy Byers (tracks: A1, A5, A6, B4), Chauncey Welsch (tracks: A1, A5, A6, B4), Santos Russo (tracks: A1, A5, A6, B4), Urbie Green (tracks: A1, A5, A6, B4)

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Label: Decca – DL 9204
Series: Series J 9200
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1958