Thursday, February 13, 2014

NEW RELEASES: FRANK LACY & THE SMALLS LEGACY BAND - LIVE AT SMALLS; GEORGIA SOUL COUNCIL - THICKENS UPON STANDING; RODNEY GREEN QUARTET - LIVE AT SMALLS

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:

  1. 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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