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Kitt Lyles: Real Talk
ByLuchs has another agreeable solo on the warm-hearted finale, "A Desperate Heart's Last Stand," as does tenor Roy McGrath whose crisp ad-libs are always a pleasure to hear. Another forceful soloist, alto Rajiv Halim, lends weight to the sextet on "Real Talk" and the robust opener, "Gone by Now." The rhythm section, comprised of Lyles, pianist Joaquin Garcia (another admirable soloist) and drummer Gustavo Cortinas, is as irrepressible or even-tempered as the moment requires. As several of Lyles' sidemen also hail from Northwestern, it's fair to say the ensemble is as well-schooled as most other groups its size.
To his credit, Lyles keeps the focus on the unit as a whole, serving for the most part in a supporting role and soloing (adeptly) only on "Snowfall," "Steady Hand" and "Blues for the Mountain." The ensemble's other member, trumpeter Justin Copeland, offers a number of incisive statements as well. Real Talk bespeaks a really impressive start for Lyles, one that enfolds the promise of a bright and rewarding future. Let's hope that promise is realized.
Track Listing
Gone by Now; Snowfall on Carolina; Real Talk; Though the Steady Hand May Tremble; Moving Forward, Looking Backward; Blues for the Mountain; Can’t Keep Living This Way; A Desperate Heart’s Last Stand.
Personnel
Kitt Lyles
bassKitt Lyles: leader, bass; Justin Copeland: trumpet; Rajiv Halim: alto sax (1, 3); Roy McGrath: tenor sax; Hans Luchs: guitar; Joaquin Garcia: piano; Gustavo Cortinas: drums.
Album information
Title: Real Talk | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Saluda Records
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