Peter Lin (trombone); Anthony Nelson Jr. (tenor/soprano/flute); Benjamin Kovacs (tenor); Anthony Ware (alto); James Zollar (trumpet); Oscar Williams II (piano); Charles Sigler (guitar); Ben Rubens (bass); Nic Cacioppo/ Winard Harper (drums).
(Review by Lance).
Straight down the middle jazz with a contemporary touch although not enough to do any harm. Partly reminiscent of the west coast jazz of the 1950s, the recording took place in New Jersey earlier this year. But, if you're thinking east as opposed to west you're only half right as several of the numbers are songs from the Chinese and Taiwanese popular songbooks and you can't get much further east than that.
Lin, although born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is of Taiwanese descent which explains the material. Listening to the arrangements you'd never have guessed it. These could sit comfortably in any of the Real Books without guessing as to their origin.
One exception is a tune that made the Top Twenty on both sides of the Atlantic in 1951 when Frankie Laine had a big hit with it - Rose, Rose I Love You. This version bears little resemblance!
Lin's mentor, Slide Hampton, provides My Blues and, for me, this is the outstanding track of a 30-minute album that has seven outstanding tracks.
With Respect is a welcome introduction to an excellent trombonist in the Urbie Green, Kai Winding tradition with a sound to die for. If my late work colleague, trombonist Ronnie McLean, had heard Peter Lin, he'd have borrowed this record!
The album is also a fine showcase for Anthony Nelson Jr. who blows fine tenor and flute with a dash of soprano. Worthwhile contributions from the other musicians make this a must for more than just trombone buffs.
Well worth checking out.
Lance.
4 comments :
On the basis that I'm a bit of a fan of the trombone, World music including Far East Asian Music, and I'm slightly taller than you so better placed to see over the piles of CDs which furnish both of our houses; if you're finished with it, I'd very much like a listen. It's available on CD but about £16 for a short album, and it's battling it out with another six hundred items in my basket plus hand-written lists.
Ronnie McLean Lives!
Way over my head.
And you're taller than me!
If you read the review you'll find a reference to Ronnie McLean, a local trombone legend, who, had he still been alive, would have made a similar request!
I'll be in touch.
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