FREDDIE REDD – MUSIC FOR YOU
A great set from this under-recorded piano legend – a
relaxed, easygoing session that has Freddie Redd set up in trio formation with
Jay Anderson on bass and Billy Drummond on drums! All tracks are nice and long,
and played with this open, flowing touch by Freddie – really stretching out on
familiar tunes, at a level that's more lyrical and warm than some of his
earliest bop material – and which really has a personal, expressive quality –
even in some of the more subtle moments. Anderson and Drummond are a good team
for the set – tight and swinging, but respectful too – and titles include
"I'll Remember April", "Perdido", "Lover Man",
"There Will Never Be Another You", "All The Things You
Are", and the original "Blues For You". ~ Dusty Groove
CHARLES MCPHERSON – THE JOURNEY
More of a collaborative effort than a solo journey by
altoist Charles McPherson – as the saxophone legend works here with Denver
pianist Chip Stephens, on a recording that may well be one of Charles' freshest
in years! McPherson's always been a player to keep our ears on – great at the
start, then evolving over the decades into a constantly changing, constantly
growing artist – especially in the right setting. And the group here is
definitely that setting – a quintet that also includes Keith Oxman on tenor,
whose instrument seems to unlock some of McPherson's most tenor-like phrasing –
that deeper than usual style that Charles brings to his instrument at the best
moments, with a wonderfully expressive, soulful feel. Tunes include a lot of
originals by members of the group – and titles include "The Decathexis
From Youth", "Elena", "Manhattan Nocturne", "The
Journey", "Tami's Tune", and "Bud Like". ~ Dusty Groove
JACK WALRATH – UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED
Jack Walrath just keeps on growing and growing as a musician
– a hell of a trumpeter for the past few decades, but also a great writer too –
with a fresh approach to a tune that really keeps things interesting! This set
may well be one of Walrath's best in years – a soulful quintet outing that has
some especially nice tenor from Abraham Burton, who brings some darker tones to
the record – and has this way of sharpening Walrath's horn too – as the pair
step out in the lead over some of Jack's inventive compositions, then stretch
out individually in well-phrased solos. The rhythm trio keeps just the right
for each individual track – sometimes sprightly, but never too playful –
sometimes more laidback, and nicely mellow. George Burton plays piano, Boris
Kozlov plays bass, and Donald Edwards is on drums – and titles include
"End The Beguine", "Why Not", "Bobby Timmons",
"Unsafe At Any Speed", and "Happiness Really Is A Warm
Puppy". ~ Dusty Groove
