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Mulgrew Miller and Wingspan: The Sequel
ByThe title track has that kind of relaxed groove that Miller seems to toss off with deceptive ease. With a bit of Tyner and the inherent blues factor prominent in the work of such guys as Wynton Kelly, Miller lets his story unfold in long phrases that come to logical conclusions. His ballad work, like on “Holding Hands” and “Dreamsville,” is sharp in its bell-like clarity. So too the tender but never maudlin treatment he provides a trio rendering of “It Never Entered My Mind.” Still, Miller is a consummate accompanist and the support he provides the soloist and the way he complements the ensemble passages speaks to his inherent mastery.
Both Steve Wilson and Duane Eubanks serve secondary roles here in voicing the melodies, with a few solo moments dolled out here and there. It’s really Miller and Nelson who get the lion’s share of the space and this work overall constitutes some of the best efforts in recent memory. Recorded by Joe Ferla with a nice warmth and ambience, The Sequel is an excellent addition to the Miller catalog and hopefully the start of a new spate of recording activity for the pianist as a leader of Wingspan.
Track Listing
1. Go East Young Man; 2. The Sequel; 3. Elation; 4. Holding Hands; 5. Know Wonder; 6. Dreamsville; 7. Spectrum; 8. It Never Entered My Mind; 9. Just A Notion; 10. Samba D'Blue
Personnel
Mulgrew Miller
pianoMulgrew Miller--piano; Steve Nelson--vibes; Steve Wilson--alto and soprano saxophone; Duane Eubanks--trumpet; Richie Goods--bass; Karriem Riggins--drums.
Album information
Title: The Sequel | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: MAXJAZZ