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Graham Dechter: Major Influence
ByAs for the music, it consists of seven charming original compositions (and arrangements) by Dechter plus Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley's enchanting ballad, "Pure Imagination," from the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Hamilton, a master with brushes, is superb on that number, as he is elsewhere using brushes or sticks; he'd probably be as persuasive using knives and forks. Dechter doesn't overlook the blues ("Minor Influence") and even delves into the arcane world of Thelonious Monk ("Bent on Monk," on which Hamilton offers another clinic in enviable brush work). Any doubts about Dechter's nimble chops are quickly laid to rest on the double-quick finale, "Billy's Dilemma," on which Hendelman shows that when it comes to canvassing the keyboard he's no slouch either.
The session opens on a carefree note with "Orange Coals," on which Dechter unveils his crisp and delightful single-note runs, and continues in that vein on "Reference" (featuring more dazzling brush work by Hamilton, an agile solo by Clayton and Dechter in a Wes Montgomery frame of mind). "Major Influence" sways to a gentle Latin rhythm that brings out the caballero in everyone, while the light- hearted "Moonithology" is Dechter's radiant take on "How High the Moon." Without his three amigos, Dechter could no doubt have produced an above-average album; with them on board, he has sculpted one that is absolutely irresistible from start to finish.
Track Listing
Orange Coals; Reference; Major Influence; Moonithology; Minor Influence; Pure Imagination; Bent on Monk; Billy's Dilemma.
Personnel
Album information
Title: Major Influence | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Capri Records
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Graham Dechter
Album Review
Jack Bowers
Major Influence
Capri Records
John Clayton
Jeff Hamilton
Tamir Hendelman
Thelonious Monk
Wes Montgomery