Tap dancing on record isn't new. The first time I heard it was on a Doris Day recording of Crazy Rhythm. Doris did the singing and Gene Nelson did the dancing. Norman Granz also recorded Fred Astaire dancing to the JATP class of '52 and, of course, Ellington featured Bunny Briggs hoofing on David Danced Before the Lord on one of Duke's Sacred Concert recordings. That composition is actually an uptempo version of Come Sunday so with On a Modern Genius Vol. 1 we've come full circle.
However, that isn't quite true as the majority of the album is based around Cole's interpretation of the music of Thelonious Monk and it's a cracker!
Up until now, Charlie Rouse has, to me and most Monk fans, been the only one to get inside the eccentric genius' head.
Until now!
Xhosa Cole has listened and learned and emerged with his own take on Monk's work paradoxically producing a tribute album that stands tall in its own right. The addition of Liberty Styles tapping adds that extra touch to the four tracks out of the seven on which she struts her stuff. Particularly effective is when she's trading with drums, bass or both. Make no mistake about it - this dancer's got rhythm (- a - ning).
In the understandable absence of piano, Saunders provides the chordal accompaniment as well as slotting in some pithy solos. Bass and drums too are deserved of praise - their solos on Misterioso are particularly outstanding.
Vogel gets the right secular sound on Come Sunday. Cole brings in some of 'the Devil's music' and Liberty reacts sympathetically.
Release date is Jan. 10, 2025 which will put the album in immediate contention for my annual Album of 2025 listing.
Check out press release HERE.
It's a must have! Lance
Trinkle Tinkle*; Rhythm-A-Ning*; Misterioso/Straight No Chaser; Criss Cross/'Round Midnight/Brilliant Corners; Let's Cool One; Bright Mississippi*; Come Sunday*
*Featuring Liberty Styles.
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