Joe Locke/David Hazeltine: Mutual Admiration Society

Mutual Admiration Society is an apt title for this session. It is clear that the music presented came from a meeting of the minds between Locke and Hazeltine. Among a few well-chosen standards, there are three originals by Locke and two by Hazeltine, with the latter providing the arrangements throughout. It is no exaggeration to state that as superb as his pianistic talents are, Hazeltine's arranging and composing skills put him in a league of his own. One need look no farther than the album's centerpiece, Burt Bacharach's "I Say a Little Prayer." The slow and relaxed treatment, complete with altered harmonies, is one of the prettiest and most profound things heard in recent memory. Hazeltine also has mastered a way with breaking up the conventional swing beat. He does this by using vamps, repeated ostinatos in the bass, and various other methods that catch the ear and make this music so rewarding even after countless listens.

Locke is also one hell of a musician. His opening "K-Man's Crew" bristles with excitement and announces that this session will proceed far removed from your typical hard bop fare. A thoroughly gorgeous and memorable line, his "Diamonds Remain" is a touching tribute to the late Don Grolnick and one of the highlights of the session. It should also be told that all of this couldn't be carried out successfully without the exemplary contributions of bassist Essiet Essiet and drummer Billy Drummond. Each man is responsive and willing to embellish whatever mood is established by the front line partners. Drummond, in particular, has become a modern day Elvin Jones in that he plays with such musical conviction and strength and yet also manages to tailor his dynamics to each situation he finds himself involved in. We will certainly being hearing more from him because he has already become a master in every sense of the word.

Nothing further really needs to be stated because, like so much of the significant and quintessential jazz that we have on tape, the magic of this set really defies written description and evaluation. It really needs to be heard to be appreciated. Anyone want to join me in becoming a member of this mutual admiration society?

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