Greg Spero (keys/synth/vocal); Junius Paul (bass); Makaya McCraven (drums).
The American musicians on this album could almost be regarded as Honorary Tynesiders having, over the past couple of weeks, played several venues not a stones throw away from the river. As on the Chicago pianist's last visit, he wowed the audience with his playing - so genre encompassing as to make categories near obsolete. With an all American quartet it was a mind-blowing experience.
Readers wanting this as a memento of the concert may be initially disappointed that sax whiz De'Sean Jones isn't present on this album but Spero's work on keyboards and his imaginative synthesising more than make up for it.
Greg also throws in a couple of vocals, Blackbird by McCartney (the only non original on the album apart from the bonus track of Over the Rainbow*) and No Rest For the Weary. Pleasant, laid back, cool, Bakeresque.
He won't quit the day job to become a singer but it won't do him any harm either!
As they did at the gigs, Paul and McCraven are awesome in support. A disc to play repeatedly - each spin is a voyage of discovery.
Lance.*Over the Rainbow a solo piano interpretation so beautiful that the tune is no longer on my Hate Parade!
No comments :
Post a Comment