Ricky Ford: [Balaena]

By

C. MICHAEL BAILEY,

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor - Since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: September 1, 2000

Heldentenor Veteran Tenorist Rick Ford debuts of Jazz Friends with a solid live set supported by a truly all-star rhythm section of George Cables; Cecil McBee, and Ed Thigpen. This release is made up of mostly extended pieces where Ford shows his depth and breadth form Dexter Gordon passing through Sonny Rollins on his way to John Coltrane. "Pie Crust" encompasses all in on piece. Equal adept in the blues and ballads, Ford hones his chops in both venues. George Cables remains a vastly under-recognized talent, playing with his usual panache and intelligence. McBee and Thigpen are both tasteful and cool. The sum of all parts is an excellent recording, recommended to any fan of the tenor saxophone. Good Show!

Track Listing: Pie Crust; Cable Waltz; Blues Work; Song For Pres; Blues In Fourths; Balaena; Blues A Hoy; In Walked Bish. (Total Time: 74:31)

Personnel: Ricky Ford: Tenor Saxophone; Gorge Cables: Piano; Cecil McBee: Bass; Ed Thigpen: Drums.

Record Label: Jazz Friends Productions | Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream