The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. A strong connection remains. Stepping out on his own, Grant Green, Jr. exhibits a natural affinity for the funk and blues that his late jazz guitarist father epitomized. A smooth, romantic texture emanates from his melodic instrument. Green has selected an eclectic program, including something for everyone. Mellow, smooth jazz sounds follow acoustic, straight-ahead jazz and contemporary, rock-hard funk. Portions of “6 Grams of Funk” are in six, and portions aren’t; but the backbeat shines through everywhere. Its changing meter invites a welcome irregularity that’s heavy on soul and easy on the mind. Expressive ballads, such as the “Deep River” spiritual, evoke an age-old association between blues and jazz. Both have relied heavily over the years on strong emotions that last. The session’s high point comes through Airto’s fiery samba, “Umberto 7.4,” with its classical guitar fragrance, light soprano saxophone ambience, and hot, festival atmosphere. Audio samples are available at the label’s web site .
Track listing: Cantaloupe Woman; Selma March; Another Time, Another Place; Can You Feel It; Umberto 7.4; Deep River; People Make the World Go Round; For the Love Of You; 6 Grams of Funk.
Personnel: Grant Green, Jr.- guitar; Café- percussion; Leo Gandleman- tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone; Andrew Sherman- Hammond B3 organ, Fender Rhodes electric piano; Gintas Janusonis- drums; Booker King- bass; Albert Menendez- Fender Rhodes electric piano; Richard Lee Wendel- trumpet; Reuben Wilson- Hammond B3 organ on “Selma March.”
Style: Mainstream/Bop/Hard Bop/Cool
Published: July 01, 2002
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Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine. More about Jim...
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