Jutta Hipp With Zoot Sims / Blue Note 1530 Vinyl Reissue

Many jazz fans do not know who Jutta Hipp was. That is understandable because she only released a couple of albums. But, she is considered by those who know her small catalog to be top notch pianist and one the first woman signed to the Blue Note label.

Jutta was born in Germany in 1925 where she studied painting and began to play piano. She was discovered by critic Leonard Feathers during World War II, who convinced her to move to New York. She only made one studio recording with Zoot Sims for Blue Note in 1957 and a couple of live albums prior to that. Soon after this album was released she quit music for good and never returned apparently due to the nervousness she experienced performing on stage.This album has always been considered rare but thanks to Classic Records it has received the care it deserves.

Jutta's playing on this album is superb, she has a style all her own. Zoot Sims shines also and his tenor sax playing really keeps things moving. Jutta weaves her way up, down and all around the groove set by Ed Thigpen on drums, Jerry LLoyd on trumpet and Ahmed Abdul-Malik on bass. They cover mostly standards but they infuse each tune with swinging tempos and great solos.

The sound quality on this reissue is amazing. Not surprising since this was pressed from the original master tapes.The cover is top notch with good color printing and pressed on heavy vinyl for maximum dynamic range. It was originally recorded by Rudy Van Gelder.

Sadly, Jutta died in Queens, New York in 2003. She never married, had no children and had lost contact with everyone in the business. So much so, that Blue Note records did not know where to send her royalty checks. She had made her living after music as a seamstress and did not have enough money for a proper burial. Jutta Hipp was a one-of- kind musician and opened many doors for woman in music. This is the only studio document we have to enjoy her talent.

If you like jazz piano or jazz in general you should have this session in your collection. Highly recommended.