Bull Fonda Duo

Bull Fonda Duo: Cup of Joe, No Bull

by C. Michael Bailey
June 28, 2005

In a very effective jazz arranging technique for introductions, the vocalist starts a capella and the bass enters immediately. The two duet with one another for a chorus, at which time the whole ensemble joins the fray. This is a nice touch, adding a bit of tension and expectation to the natural swing of a piece. Cup of Joe, No Bull is an entire recording of this sort of bass-voice tension. It works, for the most part. The straight-ahead pieces ...