Les McCann had already been playing his way through the clubs and record studios on the U.S. West Coast for ten years when his appearance on June 21, 1969 at the relatively new and jazz-soaked festival in Montreux on Lake Geneva changed all that. There, he celebrated his greatest musical success, his number one hit. Half ironically, but proudly in later concerts, he stressed that Swiss Movement had supported him, his wife, children and grandchildren.
"Compared To What" is a catchy melody that is heard on the radio all around the world to this day. It's unmistakable, still groovy, full of soul, humorous and stirring. And "Cold Duck Time" is no way inferior: Eddie Harris blows for all he is worth while Benny Bailey captures the audience's ear and attention throughout. Swiss Movement is, and has remained, a highlight among all jazz LPs recorded live and it shouldn't be missing from any collection. Along with Benny Goodman's Carnegie Hall Concert from 1938, Charlie Parker & Co.'s Massey Hall concert from 1953, and Ella Fitzgerald's Berlin concert from 1960 – and very few others.
Musicians:
Les McCann, piano, vocals
Eddie Harris, tenor saxophone
Benny Bailey, trumpet
Leroy Vinnegar, bass
Donald Dean, drums
Compared To What
Cold Duck Time
Kathleen's Theme
You Got It In Your Soulness
The Generation Gap