The Grass Roots pairs the only two recordings drummer
Grassella Oliphant ever released as a leader. He was a solid sideman in the 1950s with
Sarah Vaughan, and then later with singer
Gloria Lynne and organist
Shirley Scott. Both these titles were released on Atlantic. The first,
The Grass Roots, features saxophonist
Harold Ousley,
Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, and bassist Ray McKinney. It's a varied date ranging from killer groove soul-jazz such as
Ousley's "One for the Masses," covers of "Stardust" and "Mood Indigo," and hard bop swingers like "The Descendant" (also written by
Ousley).
Oliphant's playing is delightfully understated, but his contrapuntal work with
Hutcherson is literally startling.
Ousley's playing should be noted for its fury and tenderness, depending on the tune. His use of restraint is tentative because it allows him to bust it wide open at all the right moments with a big fat reedy tone. ~ Thom Jurek