A truly international quartet led by an English saxophonist, an Amsterdam based German guitarist, an American bassist living in France and a Dutch drummer playing a selection of lesser known tunes and making them, if not their own, at least joint share-holders.
Leader Braysher has been well represented within these pages both on record and live. On this, his latest album, the sound of the alto sax has the warmth of Johnny Hodges, the creativity of Charlie Parker and the bite of Phil Woods - a potpourri of urbane sophistication well-suited to the opening track.
A Smooth One: Originally recorded by the Benny Goodman Sextet and featuring Charlie Christian in one of the earliest electric guitar solos on record - the rest is history. The future is safe in the hands of Linus Springer who captures the Christian spirit passing it on to Braysher who trades with Ineke to great effect.
I Told You so: George Cables composed this Latinesque piece. Cables, former Art Pepper pianist, had also played alongside bassist Hall and it was this connection that brought the song along to the session. The head reminds me of another tune - Once Too Often from the 1944 movie Pin-Up Girl starring Betty Grable.
Put on a Happy Face: From the musical Bye Bye Birdie, Braysher lays down a textbook solo that could be used as a classroom example of improvisational perfection. The out chorus riff adds to the appeal.
Spooky: Not having been an out and out devotee of Dusty Springfield, this was a new listening experience for me and a not unpleasant one at that! Set down over a funky repetitive groove Springer unwinds, Braysher moves around Turrentine territory and Hall and Ineke search for Ramsay Lewis. Just listened to Dusty's version. Buddy Rich got it wrong. Braysher and co. got it right and so did Dusty. Remove the first eleven words from this paragraph!
Roundabout: One of Vernon Duke's lesser known standards. A low, almost dirge-like theme that, if nothing else, draws attention to the leader's tone which is rather beautiful.
Never Let me go: Very much an easy listening groove that, nevertheless, drew me in. Springer's solo eats away at the aforementioned groove and Braysher's Pepper, Desmond, Geller phrasing eliminates it completely.
Room 608: A Horace Silver hard boppin' Blue Note composition. All four are well-groomed in the idiom and who's going to suggest, in a blindfold test, that it didn't originate out in Hackensack? Drums have their say.
That Sunday, That Summer: A lovely tune. A jaunty version that gets by as an instrumental but wouldn't cut it if the words were added - it would be like singing Tiger Rag as a love song! Interesting.
A Sinner Kissed an Angel: Prior to this I'd only heard two versions of this beautiful ballad - one by Frank Sinatra, the other by Wardell Gray - big boots to fill. I'm pleased to welcome Braysher, Springer, Hall and Ineke to this exclusive club.
Relaxing at Camarillo: A well known Parker number which isn't covered as frequently as the other bop anthems which is a shame as it's a good number to blow on without losing the Birdlike mood.
Highly recommended for those who like good tunes that have stood the test of time played by good musicians who eat and breath jazz. Lance
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