Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Bobby Broom: Modern Man

172

Bobby Broom: Modern Man

By

Sign in to view read count
Bobby Broom: Modern Man
Guitar, Saxophone, and Hammond B-3 comprise the classic groove lineup. Jimmy Smith’s early-sixties ensembles with Kenny Burrell and Stanley Turrentine and George Benson’s quartet of the mid-sixties epitomize the format; guitarist Bobby Broom revives it on his latest release. Joined by ex-Benson quartet members Ronnie Cuber and Dr. Lonnie Smith, Broom offers a straight-ahead take on the funk format.

Modern Man ’s play list is varied: Broom originals; a contribution by Cuber; standards; and, in true jazz spirit, interpretations of contemporary pop tunes—in this instance, Stevie Wonder’s "Superstition" and Clapton’s "Layla". The variety in songs insures some gems and an opportunity for each musician to flex his chops. Lithe picking characterizes the leader’s guitar sound; on the medium up-tempo opener, Broom avoids chords during the long, flowing development of his ideas. Rhythmic precision also defines Broom’s voice—improvising on "Superstition", he chooses staccato phrasing that mirrors the bouncy rhythm of the melody. Cuber presents various inflections throughout the set. He emits a fat sound on "Dance for Osiris" that hovers in the mid-ranges as he stretches notes out. On his own "Ponta Grossa" he elegantly traverses the scope of his horn hitting some low buzzing honks. And he really swings on "Mo’", sounding reminiscent of a cross between Coleman Hawkins and Hank Mobley. Lonnie Smith’s presence is more subdued than his instrument might lead one to suspect. The organist provides just enough B-3 groove without overpowering the proceedings.

The soul jazz format of the ensemble aside, the real sensibility that informs Modern Man is straight-ahead bop. The songs all sport catchy, well-defined melodies that Broom and/or Cuber strongly state in the beginning and reprise at the end. Idris Muhammad brings his New Orleans swing to the date that reinforces the straight-ahead schema. The standard, "Old Devil Moon", exemplifies the band’s bop inclination. Cuber’s throaty baritone establishes the familiar theme. Clocking in at almost ten minutes, everyone gets a chance to stretch out. True to the paradigm, the quartet trades fours before Cuber wraps things up. A refined melange of groove format with a command of the bop idiom makes Bobby Broom’s most recent contribution a satisfying experience for every taste.

Track Listing

Dance for Osiris; Ponta Grossa; Superstition; Mo

Personnel

Bobby Broom
guitar

Bobby Broom - guitar; Ronnie Cuber - Baritone Saxophone; Dr. Lonnie Smith - organ; Idris Muhammad - drums

Album information

Title: Modern Man | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Delmark Records

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

What Was Happening
Bobby Wellins Quartet
Laugh Ash
Ches Smith
A New Beat
Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Generation Y

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.