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Gerry Hemingway: Devil's Paradise
BySeveral of the tunes appear on previous live discs of various situations and line-ups. Even so, the collection fits together easily, and builds from the simple rock rhythms of “Devil’s Paradise,” through the frenzied, high-kicking beats of “Full Of” and the Caribbean flair of “Tom Skwella."
The two horns often play together creating vivid harmonies against Hemingway and Dresser’s hopscotch beats. Multiple moments convey mobile visuals. “If You Like” develops to showy, bombastic unison. With the theme repeating on the horns, and Hemingway’s flashy hi-hat, it’s a number for the Radio City Rockettes. The bass plays the main character in “Johnny’s Corner Song,” as Dresser swaggers in with a six-note theme like a drunk swilling a six-pack.
Combining Anderson’s thick, rubbery, muted trombone growls with lustrous, shimmering symbols and rich bass bowing, Hemingway creates a multi-dimensional introduction to the fluttery, easy-going “Toombow.” In fact, all of the drummer’s compositions entail irresistible multi-textured phrases, that with the high sax registers, throaty trombone and thick rhythm section become more cherished with each listen.
Track Listing
1. Devils Paradise (Hemingway) - 7:21 2. If You Like (Hemingway) - 7:18 3. Johnny's Corner Song (Hemingway) - 6:12 4. Full Off (Hemingway) - 7:13 5. Back Again Some Time (Hemingway) - 7:45 6. Toombow (Hemingway) - 9:32 7. Gentle Ben (Helias) - 5:49 8. Tom Skwella (Hemingway) - 5:14
Personnel
Gerry Hemingway
drumsRay Anderson - Trombone; Mark Dresser - Double Bass; Ellery Eskelin - Tenor Sax; Gerry Hemingway - Drums.
Album information
Title: Devil's Paradise | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Unknown label