Seems as though the organ trio is back in fashion and whilst this album doesn't have quite the bite of those old Jimmy Smith, McDuff, McGriff, Groove Holmes or, (in my opinion the greatest ever) Mike Carr recordings it's still an excellent addition to the genre.
The opening number, Eddie Heywood's Canadian Sunset, is one of those tunes tailor-made for jams. Not the end of the night, devil take the hindmost, blast but a mid-session number with just a couple of horns up front, yet it is never called.
Nelson has a romantic sound, warmer than Getz, not as lush as Webster - he finds the middle road although, when the chips are down. he can groove with the best of them.
It wouldn't be wrong to describe this as easy listening which it is, but not in the patronising sense that some use the expression. I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but who wants an album that is uneasy listening? Jazz should be challenging - for the players not the listeners!
All three take Johnny Griffin's Mildew to the cleaners and the relaxed swing of Tadd's On a Misty Night is like the solo you always wanted to play (on sax or B3) but never did, and probably never will*. Three Little Words is another swinger. Overall it is indeed a Swinging Sunset but with some lovely ballads too. A wonderful wee small hours feel about it Lance
Available June 9, Musicstand Records.
Canadian Sunset; One More Once**; Girl Talk; Una Mas Por Roberto**; These Foolish Things; Minor Chant; Mildew; Why Did I Choose You?; On a Misty Night; Three Little words; Walk With me; Last Call (for Gryce)**
*With a few notable exceptions!
**Comp. Anthony E. Nelson Jr.
No comments :
Post a Comment