Zero to 180 kicks off its musical salute to grits with “Tacos And Grits,” an obvious winner of an instrumental by jazz trombonist, Al Grey:
“Tacos and Grits”
Al Grey (1963)
This first featured song in Zero to 180’s music & grits series — launched on the heels of Saturday’s big Max Fleischer event at the AFI — happens to be represented on YouTube by exactly one audio clip, one that is illustrated (for mystifying reasons) by a still image of Betty Boop.
Trombone: Al Grey
Piano: John Young
Guitar: Leo Blevins
Bass: Ike Isaacs
Drums: Phil Thomas
Engineer: Ron Malo
Supervisor: Esmond Edwards
Liner Notes: Holmes (Daddy-O) Daylie
A single clause speaks volumes: “Recorded December 17, 1963” – as it says on the cover of Al Grey’s Boss Bone album. One day. Just like Stones Jazz by Joe Pass. Even the debut album by The Beatles would require a handful of recording sessions. Recording of the album took place at Ter Mar studios – i.e., Chess.
“Tacos and Grits” was issued on Chess subsidiary, Argo, in 1964 — did it chart? Rest assured, Al Grey did register his copyright for “Tacos and Grits” in 1964.
Fish tacos and grits
Good news!
“Taco and Grits” served as background music for Mr. Fine Wine’s DJ patter on WFMU’s Downtown Soulville radio show broadcast on July 11, 2014.
