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Luqman Hamza: When A Smile Overtakes A Frown
Joined by another Catalyst recording artist, tenor sax man Willie Akins and Atkins' regular group, Hamza waltzes through a play list of 11 tunes, four of which he wrote. It's hard to pigeon hole Hamza's rich velvety voice. On some cuts, the influence of Nat King Cole is obvious recalling Nat's trio days, with fine guitarist Will Matthews assuming the role of Oscar Moore. The resemblance is particularly apparent on "Can't See for Looking" and his own "K.C. Cutie." Be clear, however, Hamza's interpretations are not imitations of Cole's, but clearly his own. On "Do I Hear a Waltz?," Hamza vocal sound is uniquely his own. The tunes he writes are romantic, sometimes sad but never maudlin, occasionally belying the title of the album
Hamza gets outstanding support from Willie Akins and his confreres. Akins's tenor assumes a slightly different tone when accompanying a singer than on his own recently released album Alima. On the latter, his debt to John Coltrane prevails. Here he sounds closer to Stan Getz, with a bit of Charlie Parker added for seasoning, offering excellent solo work throughout. His playing on "Estate" and "Do I Hear a Waltz?" is especially telling. Simon Rowe shares piano duties with Hamza and Rowe is somewhat more accomplished at the instrument than the vocalist. But the contributions of Akins and Rowe notwithstanding, its guitarist Matthews who makes this album a success. In addition to providing a solid framework for Hamza's vocal efforts, his solos are intelligent and entertaining a la Tal Farlow.
Hopefully Catalyst will continue to bring to our attention these outstanding jazz artists.
Track Listing
Can't See for Looking; Expressing What She Means to Me; Golden Earrings; Estate; When a Smile Overtakes a Frown; Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams; When You Surrender; That Awkward Age; Do I Hear a Waltz?; The Summer Knows; K.C. Cutie.
Personnel
Luqman Hamza- vocal, piano; Willie Akins- tenor saxophone; Will Matthews- guitar; Simon Rowe- piano; Willem von Hombracht- bass; Montez Coleman- drums.
Album information
Title: When A Smile Overtakes A Frown | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Catalyst Productions
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