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Steve Heckman Quintet: Search for Peace
ByThe B-3 takes the group sound off from the mainstream route into the soulful, funky highway, beginning with Blue Mitchell's bouncy calypso, "Fungii Mama." Heckman sounds like Sonny Rollins, on one of the jazz icons mellower nights; the organ serves as a breeze through Caribbean palm fronds, and guitarist Howard Allen slips a tangy rum punch into the mix with his piquant single notes.
The group nods to the classic organ combo sound with guitarist Grant Green's "Grantstand," moving the vibe up out of the tropics into the midwest urban milieu, and pianist McCoy Tyner's "Search For Peace" finds Heckman in a contemplative mood, displaying a beautiful Ben Webster- like tone. Thelonious Monk's "Pannonica" features Heckman's reverent treatment of the melody riding on a cool organ cushion, and pianist Randy Weston's "Hi-Fly," with Heckman on baritone sax, brings in a danceable, African groove.
A spirited take on Coltrane's "Spiral" closes the disc, a outstanding wrap-up from a saxophonist who respects the legends, and serves up his own vibrant take on their artistry.
Track Listing
Fungii Mama; Grantstand; Search for Peace; Pannonica; Hi-Fly; Hangin' at Slug's; Melody for C; Autumn in New York; Spiral.
Personnel
Steve Heckman
saxophone, tenorSteve Heckman: tenor and baritone saxophones; Howard Alden: guitar; Matt Clark: Hammond B-3 organ; Marcus Shelby: bass; Akira Tana: drums.
Album information
Title: Search for Peace | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Jazzed Media
Comments
About Steve Heckman
Instrument: Saxophone, tenor
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