Harold Ousley
Harold Ousley was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and flautist known for his work in hard bop, soul jazz, and bebop styles.
Born Harold Lomax Ousley on January 23, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, he began playing saxophone in the late 1940s after high school studies. He turned professional around that time, joining local bands including one led by trumpeter King Kolax in the mid-1950s.
In the 1950s, Ousley accompanied Billie Holiday, recorded with Dinah Washington, and worked as a sideman with Gene Ammons. During the 1960s, he collaborated with Jack McDuff and George Benson, releasing his debut album as leader, Tenor Sax, in 1961 on Bethlehem Records. The 1970s saw him with Lionel Hampton and Count Basie, plus leader dates like The Kid! (1972) and The People's Groove (1977).
Ousley remained active into the 2000s, issuing Grit-Grittin' Feelin' in 2000 after a long hiatus from leading projects. He performed internationally, including in Europe, and contributed to soul-jazz sessions blending blues and Latin influences. Ousley passed away on August 13, 2015, in Brooklyn, New York, at age 86.
The Kid!
Written-By – H. Ousley
5:45
A2 Forget It, I've Got It
Written-By – Wright, Miller
5:11
A3 Me And Bobby McGee
Written-By – F. Foster, K. Kristofferson
9:02
B1 The Prodigal Son
Written-By – H. Ousley
5:47
B2 Come Sunday
Written-By – Duke Ellington
5:42
B3 One For The Masses
Written-By – H. Ousley
8:14
Label: Cobblestone – CST 9017
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Jazz
Style: Soul-Jazz
Released in 1971 on Cobblestone Records, The Kid! is often hailed as a definitive Jazz-Funk essential. It marked a "greasy" stylistic shift for Harold Ousley, moving from his hard bop roots toward a soul-jazz sound that emphasizes deep pockets and heavy grooves.
A
lbum Highlights:-
"Forget It, I've Got It": Frequently cited as the album’s standout track, this piece is praised for its infectious, danceable rhythm.
"One For The Masses": A fan favorite that showcases the tight chemistry of the ensemble.
"Me and Bobby McGee": A rare jazz cover of the Kris Kristofferson classic; while some critics find it less impactful than the originals, it is noted for its unique, non-throwaway arrangement.
Reviews highlight Ousley’s "resonant and husky" tenor sax sound, describing his playing as "soulful, flexible, and witty". The rhythm section is credited with maintaining a "steady groove," while percussionist Danny Barrajanos and pianist Neal Creque are singled out for adding layers of Latin flair and vibrant side work.
Discogs community reviews note that the Cobblestone pressings feature high-fidelity sound, likely due to the label’s backing by Buddah Records. The album maintains a high average rating of 4.36 / 5 among collectors on Discogs.