Tain & the Ebonix: Folk's Songs

Watts, it seems, is more interested in making much more contemporary statements beginning with the title of the group. Was it really necessary to tab this ensemble with a rather awkward Tain & The Ebonix when we all know and respect him for his own name? Some of the music falls out just where you'd expect it to be. "Ling's Lope," an aptly named mid-tempo composition, is a highlight of the album with Branford Marsalis in mind via a well-placed and played tenor solo by Marcus Strickland. The balladic "Laura Elizabeth" and "Galilee" are also commendable. Most of the pieces are composed to honor other jazzmen, including the groove-oriented "Blues 4 Curtis" (Curtis Mayfield) and "Blasphemy," dedicated to the late pianist Kenny Kirkland. Keith Jarrett's "Rotation" is also heard.

The album is not, however, without its weaknesses. Guitarist David Gilmore's guitar is heard on both "Blues 4 Curtis" and "Same Page...," where appears more interested in plying a rock-oriented cold metal approach. The appearance of vocalist Juan Tainish on "Same Page..." is an unnecessary addition to the album and sounds suspiciously like Watts himself. Is this a throwback to Branford Marsalis' Buckshot LaFonque (Columbia, 1994), in which he appeared in a totally different context from his own albums of the period? Ah well, maybe it will keep some happy.