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Pete Mills: Art and Architecture
ByWith the pared-down backing of just bass and drums, he delivers "In Walked Bud" with a bounce. Careful to keep the tempo in the moderate range, he interprets this chestnut from the heart.
Lighter numbers, such as "Spin Dri" and "Dot Com" fly by much faster and give his audience a firestorm of ideas. The images run fast and furious, and cast their impressions right on the money.
Ballads such as "Chelsea Bridge" reveal the warmth in Mills' demeanor. Interpreted here as a lovely duet with guitarist Pete McCann, the piece stands out as would a magnificent painting, sculpture, or a work of architecture. The album's title, no doubt a reference to the visualizations that accompany mainstream jazz, applies firm lines and colors to the quintet's music.
Mills interprets his originals and three standards in different formats. Duos, trios, quartets and a quintet formula all work equally well. His best frame of reference, however, occurs when he teams up with guitarist McCann. Together, they drive with clarity, originality, and a fresh sound. Creative artists such as this need to be heard to be appreciated. Art and Architecture comes highly recommended.
Track Listing
Dot Com, Seven Shades of Blue, In Walked Bud, Spin Dri, Chelsea Bridge, April Tune, Pumpkin Shoes, Remembrances, Clubfoot, Isfahan
Personnel
Pete Mills
saxophonePete Mills--tenor saxophone; Pete McCann--guitar; Bobby Floyd--piano; Dennis Irwin--bass; Matt Wilson--drums
Album information
Title: Art and Architecture | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Unknown label
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