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Phil Haynes & Free Country: Phil Haynes & Free Country
ByPhil Haynes is a well-known drummer who has performed with the creme de la creme of modern jazz stylists such as saxophonists Ellery Eskelin, Gebhard Ullmann and many others too numerous in scope to cite here. Along with fellow New York City Downtown/modern jazz musicians - bassist Drew Gress, cellist Hank Roberts and acoustic steel string guitarist Jim Yanda, “Free Country” fuses grassroots Americana with hip, upbeat arrangements that toggle jazz, bluegrass and country. Wonderfully recorded direct-to-stereo, sans amplification Haynes and his cohorts extend or in some situations parallel concepts actualized by guitarist Bill Frisell with his recent forays into Country & Western and Bluegrass.
Sterling resonance and soulful interplay witnessed on “Old Joe Clark” serves as a prime example of the striking sonic characteristics of this recording as Gress’ heavy and explicit bass lines in tandem with Haynes’ equally wooden toned drums emit a gorgeously radiant environment. Throughout, Haynes & Free Country breathe new life into American heritage and traditionalism with this joyous and to a greater extent, ingenious and immaculately executed outing. * * * * 1/2
Personnel
Phillip Haynes
drumsPhil Haynes; Drums/Percussion: Hank Roberts; Cello, Vocals, Jazzphone Fiddle: Drew Gress; Acoustic Bass: Jim Yanda; Acoustic Steel Guitar.
Web: www.philhaynes.com & Premonition Records: www.premonitionandmusic.com
Album information
Title: Phil Haynes & Free Country | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Premonition Records