Gene Ammons

Gene Ammons on vinyl: the big sound from Chicago

In short: Gene Ammons (1925–1974), known as “Jug”, was the son of boogie-woogie pianist Albert Ammons and one of the defining tenor saxophonists of soul jazz. His tone was big, warm and bluesy. He recorded for Prestige again and again over two decades – interrupted by years in prison. The Vinyl Room currently has 15 Gene Ammons records.

What makes Gene Ammons special?

His tenor battles are famous: with Sonny Stitt on “Soul Summit” with organist Jack McDuff, with Dexter Gordon on “The Chase!”, recorded live in 1970 and with James Moody on “Chicago Concert”. We also have early Prestige sessions such as “Jammin’ In Hi Fi With Gene Ammons” and “Blue Gene”, plus the ballads of “The Soulful Moods Of Gene Ammons” on Moodsville.

After prison he returned in 1969 and recorded albums such as “The Black Cat!”, “My Way” and “Goodbye”, his last session from 1974. “The Gene Ammons Story: The 78 Era” collects recordings from the shellac era.

From our stock

First pressings

All Gene Ammons records

→ Prestige · Moodsville · Soul jazz · Jazz on vinyl

FAQ

Why was Gene Ammons called “Jug”? The nickname dates from his time in Billy Eckstine’s band.

Who did Gene Ammons record tenor battles with? Above all Sonny Stitt, as well as Dexter Gordon and James Moody.

What is “Goodbye”? His last recording from 1974, shortly before his death.

Which records do you have? Mainly Prestige recordings from the fifties to the seventies – 15 records in all.