Quincy Jones: The Original Jam Sessions 1969 : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

The "and Bill Cosby" here is something of a misnomer. These previously unreleased tapes were produced by Quincy Jones for his friend Cosby's original sitcom, in 1969, but the Cos himself only appears on an extremely loose version of the theme song, "Hikky-Burr." That track comes after nine jazz-funk exercises by a relaxed crack team. The Original Jam Sessions is by no means the best work of any of the involved players -- Monty Alexander and Les McCann on piano, Milt Jackson on vibes, Arthur Adams on guitar, among others -- but there are some strong moments. "Groovy Gravy" edges toward funk, anchored by Ray Brown on bass and enlivened by McCann's deft bop-influenced piano. "Oh Happy Day" soars thanks to Jackson's elegant vibesmanship, and "Eubie Walkin' " highlights Alexander, Adams and pianist Joe Sample, each too big a presence for mere soundtrack work.