Brev Sullivan: Ira: The Tribute Album

Ira Sullivan was customarily described as a "musician's musician." First in Chicago, later in Miami, it was always certain that whatever he was playing—trumpet or sax— would be a delight. Someone once said, more or less, he can blow most people away on their own horns. That may account for a certain tentativeness in acknowledging just how good he was. Listening to him and Red Rodney or Johnny Griffin together was a particular treat—two (or more) boppers for the price of one. Sullivan is well deserving of a tribute album.

Fortunately, Ira's son, Brev Sullivan, who is some kind of guitarist and toured with his father, must be one of the moving forces behind the recording. Anyone expecting traditional bop, whatever that means, is not going to get it. This is a six-piece band, half of which is guitars, and once they get going, they do not let up. Buckle up: because there is a lot of energy and lots of notes.

"I Get a Kick Out of You" opens things up and sets a brisk pace with Kevin Abanto on drums issuing a wake up call. Ira Sullivan's "Monday's Dance" modulates smoothly from three to four and features a very hip bass solo by Javier Espinoza. Right there is about twenty percent of the recording time, so the soloists get ample opportunity to really stretch out. For the most part, they hold listeners' interest; their imagination never seems to flag. It would be nice if who was playing what and when was listed, but those acquainted with the musicians will probably have no trouble sorting things out

It is hard to pick a favorite but "Our Delight" is certainly right up there. It is not old school Tadd Dameron, and there is no Fats Navarro to come in, but a tune with good changes can go anywhere. Besides, someone quotes "St Thomas," as if to reinforce the message that the players are no strangers to the bop canon.

Whoever programmed the tunes had the great good sense to close with a very moving version of "Amazing Grace." All of the music says a lot about who Ira Sullivan was, and why he is truly missed.

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