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Dave Ellis: In the Long Run
ByAny doubts about Ellis's intentions here should be allayed by the presence of legendary producer Orrin Keepnews, as well as such highly-regarded players as master drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath, young piano phenom Eric Reed, and Branford Marsalis/Tonight Show bassist Robert Hurst. But what really impresses is Ellis's firm, full-bodied sound on tenor. From the first tune, a funky Ellis original called "Ced and Dunn," it is clear we are in the hands of a young musician with imagination and a solid command of the jazz vocabulary.
Ellis has chosen his material for this album well, delving into the songbooks of Ellington, Monk, Cole Porter, Joe Henderson, and Bay Area saxophonist Peter Apfelbaum. Highlights include a smoothly swinging take on Porter's "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," and an emotional reading of Henderson's melancholy "Black Narcissus." Reed, one of the more inventive young pianists on the scene today, contributes two hard-drivin' numbers, "Evil Deals" and "Rootie Tootie," a showcase for veteran drummer Heath.
In the Long Run should appeal to dedicated jazz fans and intrigue those coming to Ellis from a more rock-oriented perspective.
Track Listing
Ced & Dunn*; You
Personnel
Dave Ellis
saxophone, tenorDave Ellis- tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone on "Meltdown" and "The Waterbearer;" Eric Reed- piano+; Robert Hurst- bass+; Albert "Tootie" Heath- drums+; Jeff Chimenti- piano & electric piano*; Peter Barshay- bass*; Deszon Claiborne- drums*; Marty Wehner- trombone on "Pillars" and "Monk
Album information
Title: In The Long Run | Year Released: 1998 | Record Label: Monarch Records
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About Dave Ellis
Instrument: Saxophone, tenor
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