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Joe Chambers: Horace to Max
ByChambers' selection of musicians is a big plus, with some of the best, most seasoned players on the scene, including tenor saxophone sensation Eric Alexander and the superb/in-demand pianist Xavier Davis. Sturdy bassist Dwayne Bruno and veteran, in-the-pocket percussionist Steve Berrios round out a dream band, producing a memorable, exciting and lovely musical voyage that includes elements of African and Latin music amidst waltzes, swinging selections and ballads. Two earthy tunes feature singer Nicole Guiland, whose excellent work on Max Roach's highly political "Mendacity" (originally recorded by Abbey Lincoln) is pure magic. She also sounds heavenly on Lincoln's "Lonesome Lover," also featuring pianist Helen Sung.
An all-star treatment of trumpeter Kenny Dorham's rarely recorded "Asiatic Raes" opens the disc, with Chambers' drums underneath a colorful, calypso-like intro that ultimately yields to seriously hip solos from Alexander, Davis and Chambers, whose subtle, smooth drumming leads this swinging affair. Roach's "The Man From South Africa" is the album's best track, a mesmerizing piece that travels to Africa, and is the perfect vehicle for Alexander to dig deep into his bag for a John Coltrane/George Coleman-like vibe and the happy, sunny sound the cut needs; the album released in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the end of Nelson Mandela's 27-year incarceration. "The Man From South Africa" is as current as it getsclear proof that music is, indeed, timeless.
Horace to Max is more than an extension of Chambers' first Savant release, 2006's The Outlaw, which featured the music of Horace Silver.
Track Listing
Asiatic Raes; Ecaroh; Man from South Africa; Mendacity; Portia; Water Babies; Lonesome Lover; Evidence; Afreeka.
Personnel
Joe Chambers
drumsJoe Chambers: drums (1, 3, 4, 6-8), vibraphone (2-7, 9); marimba (5, 6, 9); Eric Alexander: tenor saxophone (1-6, 8, 9); Xavier Davis: piano (1-6, 8); Dwayne Burno: bass (1-6, 8, 9); Steve Berrios: conga drums (1, 9), drums (2, 5), percussion (3, 6, 8); Nicole Guiland: vocal (4, 7); Helen Sung: piano (7); Richie Goode: bass (7).
Album information
Title: Horace to Max | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Savant Records
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