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Basic Traneing: Yoron Israel
ByAn organ-guitar group taking on Coltrane is an uncommon, though not unprecedented idea. Indeed, Israel credits Dr. Lonnie Smith’s Afro Blue album as one of his inspirations. And if Israel’s effort here is any indication, that early ‘90s Smith recording should be well worth searching out. Israel and company deliver fresh, energetic takes on Coltrane classics like “Impressions,” “Lonnie’s Lament” and “Syeeda’s Song Flute,” along with a handful of Coltrane-esque originals. Especially satisfying is a rendition of Mongo Santamaria’s “Afro Blue” (a tune associated with Coltrane) that opens with some exquisite interplay between Israel on drums and Cherry on acoustic guitar before the rest of the band kicks in.
Koehler is a revelation on organ, a natural heir to the progressive tradition of Jimmy Smith and Larry Young. And Pierce acquits himself well on both tenor and soprano saxophones, in the rather daunting role of filling the master’s shoes. As for Israel, he wisely resists the temptation to try and channel Coltrane drummer Elvin Jones, though Israel is capable of his own protean bursts. Instead, he leads the proceedings with taste and direction, lending a dose of 21st century funk to the Coltrane canon.
Track Listing
1. Basic Traneing 2. Afro Blue 3. Sayeeda's Song Flute 4. Her All 5. Impressions 6. Better Days 7. Tippin' 8. Mr. JC 9. Like Sonny 10. Lonnie's Lament 11. Basic Traneing Reprise
Personnel
Yoron Israel - Drums; Kyle Koehler- Organ; Ed Cherry - Guitar; Jay Hoggard - Vibes, Marimba; Bill Pierce - Tenor, Soprano Saxophones; Ernesto Diaz - Percussion.
Album information
Title: Yoron Israel | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Unknown label
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