FRANK LACY & THE SMALLS LEGACY BAND - LIVE AT SMALLS
One of
the greatest albums we've ever heard from trombonist Frank Lacy – an artist who
hardly ever takes the spotlight as a leader, but who really shines at the helm
of this amazing set! The group has a depth of feeling that takes us back to
some of Lacy's more spiritual projects of previous years – but they also swing
with the solid, soulful groove of the best of the Smalls Live series – a
perfect balance between Frank's arrangements and larger musical ideas, and all
the spontaneous energy of the musicians in the venue! Players include Josh
Evans on trumpet, Stacy Dilalrd on tenor, Theo Hill on piano, Rashaan Carter on
bass, and Kush Abadey on drums – and tracks are all nice and long, in the best
Smalls spirit. Titles include the Lacy originals "Stranded",
"Carolyn's Dance", and "The Spirit Monitor" – plus versions
of Freddie Hubbard's "Intrepid Fox", Joe Bonner's
"Sunbath", and George Cables' "Think On Me". © 1996-2014, Dusty Groove, Inc.
GEORGIA SOUL COUNCIL - THICKENS UPON STANDING
A fierce
funky combo from Georgia – as you might guess from their name – one of the
hardest-hitting soul acts we've heard from the contemporary Atlanta scene, and
a group with a razor-sharp approach to their music all the way through! These
guys hit right on the money right from the start – monstrous drums mixed with
bass, guitar, and lots of Hammond and Fender Rhodes – topped with tight horns,
in a groove that's mostly instrumental, but features the occasional chorus
vocal from time to time. The vibe runs from late 60s small combo funk to a bit
of early 70s as well – and the record's a raw treat that serves as a perfect
introduction to the group. Titles include "Dutch Oven",
"Snaggletooth", "Gatur Bait", "Hutchins",
"Hip Shot", "Sauce", and "Soul Syrum". ~ Dusty Groove.
RODNEY GREEN QUARTET - LIVE AT SMALLS
Drummer
Rodney Green leads a super-sharp combo here – a crack quartet with bold tenor
from Seamus Blake, sensitive piano from Luis Perdomo, and warm work on bass
from Joe Sanders. Blake really gets plenty of room to roam around on the
album's long tracks – which are a perfect showcase for his dark-toned solo
lines – blown here in a very personal, spontaneous way, which often fits the
energy of Green's drums. As with other Smalls Live sets, there's a quality here
that goes way beyond studio recordings by the players – and titles include
"The Citadel", "Believer", "Camden",
"Percy's Delight", "Ludus Tonalis", and "Painting In
The Dark". ~ Dusty
Groove
1 comment:
Fans of Rodney Green's new CD may be interested in a brand new CD from Seamus Blake and Chris Creek on the Criss Cross label. It's called, "Reeds Ramble" As well as an original tune each from Blake and Cheek
there is a very eclectic mix of amazing arrangements of tunes by such varied composers as Thelonius Monk, Brian Wilson, Jim Beard, and many others.
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