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Ben Riley: Grown Folks Music
ByBen Riley is one of the great musicians among the drummers of today. This, in addition to the fact that he has one of the keenest senses of shade and hue, which also makes him a skilled percussion colorist. He can play phrases on his skins just as well as a pianist, bassist or any other musician, and this he does throughout the session. Many times his phrases and sentences sound as if they were taken out of a Monk songbook. This may not be so accidental, especially as there are Monk songs here. However, it is also true that many of the phrases although completely fresh and newsound as though they would fit right into the vocabulary of a Monk performance. Moreover, the presence of the fat and breathy bellow of Escoffery's earthy tenor is also reminiscent of the broad and glorious roar of Charlie Rouse. In all fairness, though, Escoffery's is a singular voice. He may have listened to Rouse, and the guiding hand of other masters of the instrument such as John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins may be lurking in the shadows, but Escoffery is very much his own man. His ideas are his and his alone, executed with great depth of and passionate character. He often begins phrases inside out or from the end, going backwards, and this makes for a sense of surprise that is always delightful, and makes the combination of saxophonist and drummer quite memorable. But there is more...
The album has no pianist, but the rhythmic honors that would have been shared by the keyboard are split between two fascinating guitarists. Both Freddy Bryant and Avi Rothbard are spectacular, to say the least. They bring newness to the repertoire that complements the elegance of the music and suggests that the absence of the piano is no big deal at all. And the deep growl of Ray Drummond's bass is the glue that holds the rhythm section together on this all-too-unforgettable set.
Track Listing
Friday the 13th; Laura; Teo; Without a Song; A Weaver of Dreams; Lulu’s Back in Town; If Ever I Would Leave Without You.
Personnel
Ben Riley
drumsBen Riley: drums; Wayne Escoffery: tenor saxophone; Avi Rothbard: guitar (1, 4, 5, 7); Freddie Bryant: guitar (2, 3, 6); Ray Drummond: bass.
Album information
Title: Grown Folks Music | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Sunnyside Records