Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Slow Poke: Redemption

Slow Poke: Redemption

By Glenn Astarita
September 1, 2000
Sign in to view read count

“Slow Poke” is a quartet featuring innovative slide guitarist David Tronzo, multitalented reedman Michael Blake and the equally gifted rhythm section of bassist Tony Scherr and drummer, percussionist Kenny Wolleson. Here, on this rather clever outing titled Redemption, the band gets down, dirty and a bit craggy while conforming to a leisurely gait; hence, - “Slow Poke”.

The quartet turns in a snarling slow Blues vamp on the opener, “Johnny Hornet” where David Tronzo lays down affable funk induced, oscillating chord progressions atop Kenny Wolleson’s unhurried rhythms as tenor saxophonist Michael Blake articulates the folksy theme in sublime fashion. The laid back grooves continue on David Brubeck’s “Sixth Sense” whereas, the band picks up steam atop Tony Scherr’s ostinato bass lines on David Tronzo’s composition “Jar Of Hair”. – They will more than likely have you humming along with Johnny Cash’ composition and title track - “Redemption”. On this piece, the quartet electrifies Cash’ endearing melody line thanks to Tronzo and Blake’s blistering choruses and extended note harmonies as Wolleson drives this tune along with a crafty combo shuffle-march beat.

Slow Poke is all about Blues-Gospel-Rock and tinges of C&W tossed into somewhat of an (intentionally) oddball musical mix. Without a doubt, this recording should warm the hearts of a seemingly widespread audience. Redemption is loads of fun!

* * * 1/2 (out of * * * * *)

Personnel

Slow Poke

Michael Blake; Tenor and Soprano Saxophones, Melodica, Handclaps & Fingersnaps: David Tronzo; Slide Guitar, Baritone Guitar, Dobro & WasteBasket: Tony Scherr; Bass Guitar, Dobro and Guitar: Kenny Wolleson; Drums, Percussion & Samples.

Track listing: 1) Johnny Hornet (David Tronzo) 2) Sixth Sense (Dave Brubeck) 3) Jar Of Hair (David Tronzo) 4) Cilantro (Michael Blake) 5) God Don

Album information

Title: Redemption | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Intuition

< Previous
Charles Lloyd: Crossing the Waters Wide

Next >
Passages

Comments

About Slow Poke

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

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.