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Les McCann / The Mitchell-Ruff Trio: 20 Special Fingers
by Jim Santella
The twenty fingers in the title for this double reissue CD come from two exciting piano trios of the 1960s. Both Les McCann and Dwike Mitchell offer blues-based, gospel influenced piano storytelling on their Atlantic albums Much Les and The Catbird Seat, respectively. McCann was at the peak of his career then, still using an acoustic ...
Abbey Lincoln: Wholly Earth
by Jim Santella
Swaying gently and confidently, singer Abbey Lincoln possesses a voice and singing style like no other. When she’s hanging behind the beat, gently rasping heartfelt expression, or sliding around the pitch, the singer is in complete control of her performance and is offering it in her own sweet way. Bobby Hutcherson joins Lincoln on this latest ...
The Moskitos: Putting The Pop! Back Into Jazz
by Jim Santella
Remember “Midnight in Moscow"? Back in 1961 Kenny Ball had quite a hit with that one for popular music and Dixieland. Remember “Tequila?" The Champs did something similar in 1958 by topping the pop charts with that unique instrumental number. The members of this quintet are much too young to remember those years, but they’ve obviously ...
Mark Murphy: Sings Nat King Cole... And More
by Jim Santella
“Gee, it’s great, after bein’ out late, walkin’ my baby back home ... Hand in hand to a barbecue stand, right from her doorway we roam. Eats, and then it’s a pleasure again, walkin’ my baby back home." So goes the classic tune by Fred Ahlert and Roy Turk. When Mark Murphy sings such familiar territory, ...
Andrew Cheshire: Water Street Revival
by Jim Santella
Mainstream jazz guitar has a universal appeal because of its natural timbre and the graceful articulation that can be achieved through practiced dexterity. Andrew Cheshire incorporates those elements plus a melodic sense that lends itself to smoother ballads ripe for a wider radio market. Recorded in 1990-92 with three different units, Water Street Revival draws together ...
Lester Bowie: American Gumbo
by Jim Santella
This two-disc package from 32 Jazz includes two fine albums from Muse Records: Fast Last! and Rope-A-Dope, which were recorded in 1974 and ’75 respectively. Both albums reflect the style of an emerging leader, a founding member of the AACM & Art Ensemble of Chicago, and a champion of the jazz avant-garde. Specific elements such as ...
Javon Jackson: Pleasant Valley
by Jim Santella
A solid, dependable and mild-mannered saxophonist, Javon Jackson studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston for several years before joining Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. The saxophonist’s niche in today’s jazz world is filled with solid mainstream vibrations and a caressing respect for the instrument. Jackson’s approach is a bit laid-back, his tone is true, ...
William Menefield: Big Will Leaps In
by Jim Santella
Acoustic piano trios are the backbone of mainstream jazz, allowing for a proper balance of both expository and extemporaneous material. The three artists have distinct roles that require cohesion and “big ears." Cincinnati veteran Art Gore and bassist Tyrone Wheeler make fine partners for the teenaged William Menefield. Born to a musical family, the talented pianist ...
Kenny Poole: For George: A Tribute To A Master
by Jim Santella
Just five months before he passed away last year at the age of 85, guitarist George Van Eps performed a few Father’s Day quartet sets at a small restaurant near his home in Southern California with local artists. Sharing a memory with the audience of bouncing on George Gershwin’s knee as a small child, Van Eps ...
Gary Burton: Alone At Last
by Jim Santella
Vibraphonist Gary Burton joined the faculty at the Berklee College of Music in Boston the same year Alone At Last was recorded twenty-eight years ago. By that time he had already recorded over a dozen albums as leader and had formed critical professional relationships with (among others) Keith Jarrett, Steve Swallow, Larry Coryell, Roy Haynes, and ...
