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Rodney Whitaker: When We Find Ourselves Alone
ByWhen We Find Ourselves Alone presents Rodney Whitaker in all his glory, playing exactly what he wants to play. He doesn't share billing or serve somebody else's vision. Instead, he pulls from various places and interests to create a straightforward yet diverse program with some help from some old friends. Whitaker's joined by pianist Bruce Barth, an associate from his days with trumpeter Terence Blanchard, and two of his comrades-in-arms from his time with Hargrovesaxophonist Antonio Hart and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. All four men gel beautifully and seem to have a ball walking down different musical avenues together.
The album starts off with "The World Falls Away," a swinging number that gives everybody a chance to solo, but the band immediately switches gears on the follow-up songthe Brazilian-tinged, Hargrove-referencing "When You Played With Roy." As things progress, lots of other approaches are utilized. Pure beauty comes to the fore as Hart's poignant soprano steers the proceedings during "Jamerson's Lullaby"; drive and intensity are at the heart of "Freedom Day"; soul jazz makes an appearance via "Mr. Magic"; and "You Go To My Head" is reconfigured as a funk-inflected, backbeat-driven number. Whitaker's daughtervocalist Rockelle Fortinalso brings some different things to the table. Her first appearance finds her working with her father's arco support at the dawn of "Autumn Leaves"; the piece later moves into a swinging environment with Fortin scatting away. She also enlivens "Freedom Day" and "You Go To My Head," brings a dash of sly sophistication to "Mr. Magic," and merges with Hart's uplifting saxophone on the hopeful, album-ending "Lost In You Again."
When We Find Ourselves Alone projects solitude through its name, but the music contained herein does the exact opposite. A sense of togetherness and camaraderie shines through here.
Track Listing
The World Falls Away; When You Played With Roy; Autumn Leaves; Jamerson's Lullaby; You Go To My Head; Invitation; Freedom Day; A Mother's Cry; Mr. Magic; When We Find Ourselves Alone; Lost In You Again.
Personnel
Rodney Whitaker
bassRodney Whitaker: bass; Bruce Barth: piano; Antonio Hart: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone; Greg Hutchinson: drums; Rockelle Fortin: vocals.
Album information
Title: When We Find Ourselves Alone | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Mack Avenue Records