JAVON JACKSON – EXPRESSION
One of the best Javon Jackson albums we've heard in years –
a great live session that really gets back to basics, and reminds what a hell
of a soloist Jackson is on tenor! The group's got a sharp, soulful feel right
from the start – thanks to wonderful piano from Orrin Evans, who manages to
bring all these creative touches to the music, but all without ever losing his
swing – a swing that's driven strongly by Corcoran Holt on bass and McClenty
Hunter on drums. Jackson's tenor is the real star of the show, but clearly gets
great inspiration from the creative phrasing of Evans – and the pair soar
together wonderfully on tunes that include "Richards RAP",
"Lelia", "88 Strong", "Think On Me",
"TJ", "Mr Taylor", and a great version of Wayne Shorter's
"One By One". ~ Dusty Groove
LOUIS HAYES – RETURN OF THE JAZZ COMMUNICATORS
Drummer Louis Hayes always finds a way of working with great
groups – and here he's got an especially well-chosen lineup with Abraham Burton
on tenor and Steve Nelson on vibes! Both players ring out with this strongly
soulful vibe that's clearly inspired by the leader – Burton's very deep tones a
perfect complement to some of the sharper, more modern lines from Nelson –
driven strongly by the work of David Bryant on piano and the excellent Dezron
Douglas on bass. Hayes' power can be felt strongly, even in mellower moments –
and Nelson's oft-percussive approach to his tones makes for an excellent choice
for the group. Titles include "Shape Shifting", "Groovin For
Nat", "Soul Leo", "Simple Pleasures", "Vagabond
Ron", and "Lou's Idea". ~
Dusty Groove
VINCENT HERRING – THE UPTOWN SHUFFLE
A strong, soulful set from alto saxophonist Vincent Herring
– of the sort he always seemed to get on earlier recordings, but which he
hardly ever hits this well these days! The album's got a no-nonsense quality
that really brings out the best in Vincent's horn – with a rock-solid rhythm
section that features Cyrus Chestnut on piano, with Brandi Disterheft on bass
and Joe Farnsworth on drums – all driving things with a nicely romping
sensibility, in ways that push the richest, most soulful elements from
Herring's horn – those almost tenor-like bits of phrasing we love so much when
he's at his best. Tracks are relatively long – as befits the well-recorded live
setting of these Smoke Sessions albums – and titles include
"Elation", "Uptown Shuffle", "The Atholete",
"Don't Let It Go", "Big Bertha", and "Tenderly". ~
Dusty Groove
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