David Basse: Old Friends-New point

Live from the New Point Grille in Kansas City September 9, 2001

David Basse's voice texture has a nodding acquaintance with Johnny Mercer, but his delivery is strictly his own. An ability to scat is his strong suit and it is displayed at it's best on this Disc. Angela Hagenbach will simply steal your heart away. Her low sultry voice combined with a clever vocalese style is the perfect counterpoint to Basse. Bobby Watson, on Alto, provides a nice backdrop to the vocals and adds some soulful solos to the mix. Greg Richter has a style not unlike the great Milcho Leviev, with a bit of Stu Goldberg peeking through now and then. Hip solos with a cascade of notes make for interesting listening. Sam Johnson, Jr. is a Drummer who is a steady timekeeper and a heady exchange man who holds his own on the fours. Matt Pittman on Bass complements the ensemble as the heartbeat of it all and adds some tasty solos in his turns to blow. 'Them There Eyes' features the seductive voice of Hagenbach swinging happily, adding a great treatment to a fine song. 'Strangers On A Train' is an original tune with a brooding, haunting quality to Basse's vocal. Bobby Watson echoes these sentiments on his Alto. 'Cubicle' This is Watson's best effort. His idea filled solo which alludes to 'Laura and 'Green Dolphin Street' is a gutsy, strong soliloquy. A hot piano with a torrent of notes by Greg Richter gives it just the right touch. 'Sunny Side Of The Street' marches right along with Basse leading the way. This tune is hipness personified. David Basse is at his best. The Louis Armstrong impression by Richter (?) only detracted from an otherwise swinging track. 'Confirmation' When you are talking about Charlie Parker, you are going to get this writer's immediate attention . The Piano took a journey to Chopsville and some nice 4's between Basse, Johnson and Watson capped it off in fine fashion. David Basse swung to the max on this tribute to Bird. 'Satin Doll' and 'In A Sentimental Mood' ....on the former Hagenbach simply stole the show, and the latter is an excursion into Torch City . Nice Bird quote by Richter on 'Satin' and Watson's solo on 'Sentimental' reflected the mood set by Angela Hagenbach. 'Baby, Baby All The Time / 'Juke Joint Blues' ..The musical conversation between Basse and Hagenbach was a joy to listen to. The humor, soul and hip delivery was magnificent, it was the perfect closer to a super recording.