An upcoming 2023 release that has certainly got next year off to a cracking start. Come December 31, 2023 this is the benchmark the contenders will have to try and surpass and it won't be easy. Get down to a bookie joint now for the best odds.
Nine originals comprising of six by LeDonne and three by Alexander played by six of New York's heaviest hitters - hence the album's eponymous title.
The nod is towards the classic Blue Note period, not by looking back but rather giving it relevance today. Recorded in Rudy Van Gelder's New Jersey studio, where so many great albums were made, that distinctive sound is retained and, to add to the Blue Note connection, the cover design is also reminiscent of those halcyon days.
However, the real deal is in the players themselves. Pelt, a powerhouse in the tradition of Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard, with Herring and Alexander carrying the torch lit by Cannonball and Dexter - making it burn even brighter. Leader LeDonne builds on the teachings of his idol Cedar Walton and provides heads that would slot into any decade from the 1940s to today, tomorrow and forever after. The two unrelated Washingtons provide the solid support and drive for which they are renowned and it is no surprise that Peter Washington is said to be the most recorded bassist of his generation. I doubt if drummer Kenny is far behind him.
Serbian guitarist Micic only appears on Alexander's Chainsaw but he makes the moment tell - think Ellis, Kessel, Hall and you're in the ballpark. Me? I'm off to see what odds my bookmaker will give me on The Heavy Hitters winning some magazine's CD of the Year. Lance.
Release date: January 20, 2023
Hub; New Day; Silverdust; Un Dia Es Un Dia; Big Richard; Chainsaw; This is Something New; Cedar Land; Bluesit.
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