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Chip Shelton: Flute Bass-ics

By C. Michael Bailey
April 6, 2004
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Herbie Mann is who I think of first when considering "jazz flute." Then, I suppose, there are James Moody and Frank Wess. Chip Shelton is a new name to me and his recent recording, Flute Bass-ics. This disc has languished at the bottom of my pile for consideration too long. It is a completely enjoyable outing that warranted serious attention.

Mr. Shelton's debut on Summit steps out of the jazz flute fray in two fundamental ways. First, it employs the current Ron Carter Quartet, and second, it features the multi-talented Shelton playing a variety of flutes and flute relatives. This type of music is reminiscent of early 1970s detective shows where the soundtrack is intended to infer a relaxed yet dangerous environment. Light and airy, the music never gets in the way and is not too damn hard to understand.

Now, the songs... "Biko and Mandela" is a African pop vibe honoring those two South African heroes. Less is more on the single blues, "Blue Chip," a strolling duet between Shelton and Carter. Tadd Dameron?s "The Scene is Clean" is waxed Latin with a heavy dose of bebop. The remaining standard, "I?ll Remember April," is equally provocative and enjoyable.

Visit Summit Records and Chip Shelton on the web.

Track Listing

Biko and Mandela, Blue Chip, In an Island Way, I'll Remember April, The Gift/Secret of the Iron Balls, The Scene is Clean, Surrender, Keep Hope Alive, Valse for Mom.

Personnel

Chip Shelton

saxophone, sopranino

Chip Shelton: flutes; Ron Carter: bass; Stephen Scott: piano; Lewis Nash: drums; Steven Kroon; percussion.

Album information

Title: Flute Bass-ics | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Summit Records

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About Chip Shelton

Instrument: Saxophone, sopranino

Concerts

May 25 Sat

Chip Shelton featuring Pam Tabb

Mr. Henry's Restaurant
Washington, DC

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