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Larry Fuller: Overjoyed
ByLeading an ace trio with J.J. Shakur on bass and Lewis Nash on drums, Fuller finds his way into this realm with a peppy and all-too-short take on Wes Montgomery's "Fried Pies." Then he continues along the path paved with positivity, emanating a beautifully reserved glow on the Stevie Wonder-penned title track and gleefully working through the bass-bolstered swing of Ray Brown's "Lined With A Groove." By the time he gets to "Jane's Theme," a work of intoxicating mystery dedicated to his wife and hinting at a familiar Chick Corea favorite, it's clear that Fuller is a pianist fueled by passion.
The remaining tracks do nothing to alter the atmosphere established early on: "The Mooch"an original, not the Ellington classic with an "e" at the end finds the pianist at his most ebullient; "Cubano Chant" shows Fuller flying as Shakur and Nash serve as stokers; the coupling of "Bossa Beguine" and "Bossa Nova Do Marilla" plays off the titular style, first with heat and then by clinging to fragile heart; and a "Got My Mojo Workin'" finale extols the virtues of swagger. Even when dipping into deeper emotional wells on a "Mona Lisa" serenade or a reflective "Never Let Me Go," Fuller's artistic certitude radiates warmth. His sincere enthusiasm for the music is never in doubt, even for second, and it makes for a serious selling point here.
Track Listing
Fried Pies; Overjoyed; Lined With A Groove; Jane's Theme; The Mooch; How Long Has This Been Going On?; Cubano Chant; Mona Lisa; Bossa Beguine; Bossa Nova Do Marilla; Never Let Me Go; Got My Mojo Workin'.
Personnel
Larry Fuller
pianoLarry Fuller: piano; Hassan Shakur: bass; Lewis Nash: drums.
Album information
Title: Overjoyed | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Capri Records
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