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Joshua Breakstone/The Cello Quartet: 88
ByMost of the pianists are associated with hard bop, and the names will certainly be familiar even if the song titles are unfamiliar. Harold Mabern leads off with "The Chief," his homage to saxophonist John Coltrane. After a rubato unaccompanied guitar introduction, the tune takes off with guitar doubled by Mike Richmond's pizzicato cello, the signature sound of this group. Richmond takes the first solo as well, followed by the leader. Then drummer Andy Watson shines while trading eights with unison lines Breakstone wrote for guitar and cello.
"News For Lulu" comes from Sonny Clark's pen, followed by Cedar Walton's "Black." Bassist Lisle Atkinson gets the spotlight during the rubato opening and closing sections, and the guitar solo includes a clever "Summertime" quote. Mal Waldron's "Soul Eyes" and Tadd Dameron's "If You Could See Me Now" are probably the two best known tunes. "Mo Is On" comes from the underappreciated Elmo Hope, "Lolita" from Barry Harris, and Lennie Tristano composed "Lennie's Pennies." Breakstone contributed one original, a memorable bebop tune titled "Eighty-Eight" which is dedicated to the pianists of the world.
Finally, a word about the Cello Quartet. The original incarnation was assembled in Japan, at the request of a bassist collaborator. Not wanting to drag a bass around, he suggested a rhythm section plus cello instead. Several bassists have played the celloincluding Ray Brown, Oscar Pettiford, Sam Jones and Ron Carterso it was not unprecedented. When Breakstone assembled an American version of the band, he initially intended to use the cello "as a solo instrument, just like...a saxophone or trumpet." But the group settled on having the cello play entirely pizzicato, making "a string section accompanied by percussion." The sound is similar to another infrequent configuration, piccolo bass in combination with double bass. It is an unusual sound: fresh for listener and band members alike.
Track Listing
The Chief; News For Lulu; Black; Soul Eyes; Eighty-Eight; Moe Is On; Lolita; If You Could See Me Now; Lennie's Pennies.
Personnel
Joshua Breakstone
pianoJoshua Breakstone: guitar; Lisle Atkinson: bass; Andy Watson: drums; Mike Richmond: cello.
Album information
Title: 88 | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Capri Records
Comments
About Joshua Breakstone
Instrument: Piano
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