Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Jimmy Amadie: Let's Groove!

151

Jimmy Amadie: Let's Groove!

By

Sign in to view read count
Jimmy Amadie: Let's Groove!
Let's Groove! provides a tribute to Mel Tormé through a comfortable collection of originals and songs associated with the great jazz singer. Four veterans of the jazz world give each selection plenty of personality. Pianist Jimmy Amadie turns out yet another treasure trove of straight-ahead delights with a closely-knit musical partnership that has existed for many years. The program includes sensual ballads as well as hard-driving romps. Tormé loved to interpret music both ways. Here Phil Woods lends a hand, and the result is marvelous.

Over the years, acute tendonitis has hampered Amadie's actions at the piano. In the 1950s, he accompanied jazz legends such as Mel Tormé, Red Rodney, and Charlie Ventura. From 1960 to 1995, however, he couldn't even touch a piano. Surgery and physical therapy have helped, but the pianist still cannot play too long without stopping. Few individuals possess the kind of determination that Amadie has harbored for all these years. He thinks the music through in his head and plans his moves—then the recording sessions flow like water. More rest is required, of course, and Amadie continues with fruitful results. Let's Groove! proves this.

The trio alone works out Blues for Lady Sadie and "How Deep is the Ocean. Amadie, bassist Steve Gilmore, and drummer Bill Goodwin have been doing this together for quite some time, and they swing with a comfortable groove. Phil Woods joins the trio for the other selections, providing a fluid alto saxophone voice that continues to inspire. His concept of swing and rhythm help to pay homage to Mel Tormé, with emotions laid bare.

Together, the ensemble rocks solid in its tribute. Let's Groove! comes recommended for its firm foundation and rhythmic appeal.

Track Listing

Let

Personnel

Jimmy Amadie: piano; Phil Woods: alto saxophone; Steve Gilmore: bass; Bill Goodwin: drums.

Album information

Title: Let's Groove! | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: TPR Recordings

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.