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Al Thompson,Jr.: City Mainstream
ByTwo people instrumental to the realization of this recording are friend Calvin Thomas who co-wrote four of the original compositions, and producer/arranger Drake Smith who also lends his talents on the trombone and piano. The first sextet does the honors on five of the pieces beginning with "The Chase" followed by the romantic "Memories of a Moonlit Night" featuring David Childs string-like synthesizer behind tenor saxophonist Kris Jensen, who provides a beautiful warm-toned solo lead making this tune a highlight of the album. The up tempo lively title track documents the only appearance of the largest (eight-piece ensemble) cast showcasing the additional instrumental voices of the flugelhorn, guitar and tambourine.
One of the bright moments invoking images of a bustling crowd walking briskly on a downtown Manhattan side walk, comes from the fast-paced "From The Beginning." The two quintet formats here find Thompson and Thomas joining forces on their original (co-written) "A Man In Love," and on "The Charge" where the friends share duties with the keyboards. Saxophonist Jensen takes much of the center stage on the soaring, almost funky-like "High Speed The Ride" revealing a change in direction and texture from the majority of the session.
The music comes to a delightful climax on the two last pieces where the first sextet polishes off a gorgeous melody on "One Town One People" only to be eclipsed by the other sextet combo performing the seven and a half-minute mainstream closer "8th Avenue Safari" in a live setting. Bringing a variety of influences to the session, Al Thompson Jr. wanted to evoke images of a city in perpetual motion and whether that comes across here with this music, is uncertain. What is clear however, are the challenging Thompson compositions of City Mainstream shinning bright big city lights on an album well worth illuminating.
Track Listing
The Chase; Memories of a Moonlit Night; City Mainstream; A Man In Love; From The Beginning; The Charge; High Speed The Ride; One Town One People; 8th Avenue Safari.
Personnel
Kris Jensen: saxophones (1, 2, 5, 7, 8); Drake Smith Jr.: trombone (1, 2, 5, 7, 8); Eric Elias: guitar (1, 2, 5, 7, 8); David Childs: piano, synthesizers (1, 2, 5, 7, 8); Francis Ieraci: acoustic bass (1, 2, 5, 7, 8); Roger Post: drums (1, 2, 5, 7, 8); Al Thompson Jr.: vocals (4), keyboards (4, 6), piano (3, 9); Calvin Thomas: keyboards (4, 6); Chris Herbert: saxophones (4, 6); Steve Clark: bass (4, 6); Richard Lake: drums (4, 6); Drake Smith: trombone, piano (3); Mark Dennis: flugelhorn (3); Jon Saxon: tenor saxophone (3); Frank Demayo (3); Sean Sheridan: guitar (3); Eric Massimino: bass (3); Scott Lebish: drums, tambourine (3); Addison Thompson: alto saxophone (9); Michael Herman: flute (9); Jamie Finegan: trumpet (9); Robbin Simmons: bass (9); Doug Simmons: drums (9).
Album information
Title: City Mainstream | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Self Produced
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