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Pharez Whitted: For The People
ByFor The People finds Whitted in fine form, delivering funky hard bop, sunny selections and probing fare with equal skill. His horn work and writing both take center stage here, as he moves through eleven originals with his simpatico sextet. Eddie Harris-influenced funk-meets-hard bop ("Another Kinda Blue"), John Coltrane-like mysticism ("Freedom Song"), Latin-tinged post-bop ("Keep The Faith") and muted melodicism ("For The People") all come into the picture at various times. Whitted's always-focused horn lights the way throughout, whether taking on a flugelhorn-like shine ("If They Could Only See"), working in fiery, Freddie Hubbard-derived fashion ("Another Kinda Blue") or turning into Terence Blanchard-esque territory ("The Unbroken Promise").
While some of the tunes try to pack in a few too many solos, it's understandable that Whitted would want to showcase these musicians. Guitarist Bobby Broom, who co-produced the album with Whitted, saxophonist Eddie Bayard, who's capable of delivering molten soul with his tenor and slightly mellower asides with soprano, and pianist Ron Perrillo are all deserving of the space they're given. Bassist Dennis Carroll, who establishes himself right out of the gate with some springy bass on "Watusi Boogaloo," and drummer Greg Artry, who sounds best when things get funky, also deserve a nod for their work.
After a long drought, it seems that Pharez Whitted has found the waters of inspiration and virility that will allow him to teach, play and record. Now, people outside of the Chicago-area can take notice of Whitted's winning work.
Track Listing
Watusi Boogaloo; If They Could Only See; Another Kinda Blue; Freedom Song; For The People; It Is What It Is; Sad Eyes; Keep The Faith; The Unbroken Promise; Venture; Hope Springs Eternal.
Personnel
Pharez Whitted
trumpetPharez Whitted: trumpet; Eddie Bayard: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone; Bobby Broom: guitar; Ron Perrillo: piano, keyboards; Dennis Carroll: bass; Greg Artry: drums.
Album information
Title: For The People | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Origin Records