F

F: Intensive Act

by Jack Bowers
June 1, 1999

Intensive Act, recorded in 1995–96, showcases the prominent Belgian drummer Félix Simtaine in a variety of settings from solo (“Leedy Babylass”) to trio, quartet, quintet and full–fledged orchestra (one of Belgium’s finest, the ACT Big Band). The quartet leads off with “All God’s Children,” “My Old Flame” and Bud Powell’s “Gettin’ There,” followed by the trio (“Happy Talking”), “Babylass,” and the quintet (“Olivia’s Arrival,” “Tonk”). The ACT Big Band completes the program with four numbers — “Walkin’ Tip Toe,” “Song ...