An international quartet comprising a Glaswegian, a Chicagoan and two Danes from Copenhagen where this delightful album was recorded.
On guitar, Mullen belies his 78 years with funky, yet tasteful, solos. His fingering, as facile as that of many a young upstart, the ideas just flow endlessly - cool and laid back - the real deal. Favouring the thumb technique as used by Wes Montgomery the music is, at times, 'dreamy and sad' but never bad.
Jim Mullen is as good as it gets - maybe even better.
His fellow musicians are no passengers either. Harbeck is 'old school' tenor in the vein of Paul Gonsalves, Ben Webster and Don Byas. A rich, edgy tone with the occasional raspy sound associated with tenor players in organ based combos. Whether on a ballad or a bouncy swinger Harbeck captures the mood to perfection.
On B3 Paterson ticks all the boxes. A soulful funkster when the piece requires a soulful funkster, an emotional sensitive player on a number like Angel Eyes and an out and out groove merchant when they hit the blues.
The recording and a tour were organised by drummer Leth. A first call percussionist on the Danish jazz scene, Leth demonstrates just why he is held in such esteem with some straight ahead, no nonsense, no frills drumming.
The release date is January 31, 2025, which gives the new year time to settle down and start swinging. Lance
For Heaven's Sake; Kiko; I'll Close my Eyes; Angel Eyes; Medication; This Here; The Touch of Your Lips; Stairway to the Stars; Swanee River; When in Rome; Caravan
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