James Zoller (tpt/flg) + The Modoc Horns - Kevin Bryan (tpt); Dion Tucker (tmb); Jerry Waldon (ten).
Special guests - Sheryl Rene (vcl); Cleave Guyton (fl); Erika Matsuo (vcl); Gregoire Maret (hca); Chuck McPherson (spoken word);
Rick Germanson (keys); Freddie Bryant (gtr); Ron Richardson or Leo Traversa (bs); Bruce Cox (dms); Roland Guerrero (perc); Nabuka Kiryu (vcl).
(Review by Lance).
(Review by Lance).
Kansas City born Zoller has acquired an impressive cv since moving to New York in 1984. This includes spells with the current incarnations of the Basie and Ellington bands and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra to mention but three.
His tone is full and round bringing Chris Botti to mind although he can be a more explosive player than Botti.
The album notes proclaim that this disc reveals a new, previously unexpected funk and Brazilian side to his.musicality. It's lyrical and at times adventurous but somehow it's a little on the smooth side for me. Rather like the music played in a sixties upmarket disco - not that I've ever been in any upmarket discos - but if I had I could imagine the music sounding a little like this. Apart from the final 56 seconds that is. For Cootie and Clark has him growling and screaming like a true Ellingtonian - if only we'd had a little more of that.
Apart from Zoller, Tucker, Waldon, Guyton and Bryant also impress and the vocals scattered around do okay - but funk? I prefer my funk a little earthier, more soulful.
Nevertheless, the musicianship is faultless - ne'er a bum played - and maybe that's the rub...
James Zoller: It's All Good People is released on JZAZ Records on August 13.
Lance.
Nevertheless, the musicianship is faultless - ne'er a bum played - and maybe that's the rub...
James Zoller: It's All Good People is released on JZAZ Records on August 13.
Lance.
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