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Vinnie Zummo: The Coyote
ByYou can tell by the cover choices that it's a jazz album. First there's the infrequently played 1944 standard "Candy," notably done by trumpeter Lee Morgan on Candy (Blue Note, 1958) and by The Manhattan Transfer on their self-titled album (Atlantic/WEA, 1975). The other is John Coltrane's notoriously difficult "Giant Steps" from the album of the same name (Atlantic, 1960). There's plenty of variety in the originals, too. "Afternoon Hang" is a languid blues; "On The Groove" is Latin (benefiting from Bashiri Johnson's percussion); and "Retro Fuso" and "Funk 4 Da Monk" have a clear funk feel.
The album doesn't rely on its guest list for attention, but there are significant contributions. The title tune features bassist Will Lee (of the Late Show with David Letterman band) and pianist Gary Deinstadt (who also plays a fine solo, breaking up the guitar sound a bit). Zummo plays the drums on this one, turning in a completely convincing performance. "Retro Fuso" has Joe Jackson on organ and clavinet, fellow Jackson band mate bassist Graham Maby, drummer Matty Amendola, and Bill Stuart on percussion. "About 116" features well known vibraphonist Mike Mainieri (great guest solo as well), bassist Mark Egan, and another drum part by the leader. Zummo plays both guitars and bass on "Funk 4 Da Monk" with Todd Sucherman on drums.
Zummo goes it alone on two tracks, showing what the album might have sounded like. "Retro Fuse" employs overdubbed harmonized guitars in place of the saxophone section. And the "No sax mix" of the blues "Afternoon Hang" makes a convincing case for the basic guitar trio. But the harmonized saxophone section was a great idea, brilliantly executed. Extra points for both great guitar playing and unique arranging.
Track Listing
The Thing Is This; The Coyote; Afternoon Hang; Candy; On The Groove; Retro Fuso; Sophistry; Giant Steps; About 116; Funk 4 Da Monk; Afternoon Hang (No sax mix).
Personnel
Vinnie Zummo
guitarVinnie Zummo: guitars, drums (2,9), bass (10); Gary Anderson: saxophones, horn arrangements; Cameron Brown: bass; Ray Marhica: drums; Will Lee: bass (2); Gary Deinstadt: piano (2); Charles McNeal: alto sax (3); Bashiri Johnson: percussion (5); Graham Maby: bass (6); Joe Jackson: organ, clavinet (6); Matty Amendola: drums (6); Bill Stuart: percussion (6); Gerald Cannon: bass (8); Mark Egan: bass (9); Mike Mainieri: vibes (9); Todd Sucherman: drums (10).
Album information
Title: The Coyote | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Vaz Music