Review by Michael G. Nastos
In a tribute to Count Basie, ex-Basie tenor saxophonist Frank Foster and Columbus, OH-based organist Hank Marr wend their way through 11 titles that, peripherally, have something to do with Basie. It's the ease of their swing, the simple melodies, and the direct approach that have to do with the Count, and the way these veterans tackle a few standards and their own originals, never forcing the issue. The underrated guitarist Cal Collins and drummer Jim Rupp provide rhythmic support. Of the seven Marr originals, the best is saved for last, the upbeat "Rhythmesque," where the band is on fire and Foster's blues-tinged boppish tenor jumps and jives. The turnaround on "April in Paris" called "Paris in April" is in the same key, Marr assimilating Wild Bill Davis' searing style and Foster playing tart sweet, as he does on most of the date. "Your Basic Gospel Tune," inspired by Horace Silver, is like a mix of "Groove Merchant" and "Red Top," Foster sounding happy and in tune with Marr's soulful, easy swinging. "Basie-cally Speaking" is based on "Whirly Bird"; "I'm Saving All My Hugs for You" is inspired by "Lil' Darlin'." Foster contributed the lone "Kathern the Great" for a discriminating fan in N.Y.C., another easy swinger with the organ at the end quoting "Who's Got the Last Laugh Now." Also included is the evergreen "Just a Closer Walk with Thee," where Marr uses a more church-oriented sound on one of his organ keyboards, a more burning approach on the other, quite like Jimmy Smith. "If I Had You," without Foster, is the lone feature for Collins, a ballad treatment where the guitar states the theme and extrapolates upon it, the organist does the same, then they both pine together. This is one of those recordings that sounds just fine, but begs for a follow-up. Foster's never played with any organist before, and Marr seems to be the perfect foil.
///////
Reseña de Michael G. Nastos
En un homenaje a Count Basie, el ex saxofonista tenor Frank Foster y Columbus, el organista de OH Hank Marr se abre camino a través de 11 títulos que, periféricamente, tienen algo que ver con Basie. Es la facilidad de su swing, las melodías simples y el enfoque directo que tienen que ver con el Conde, y la forma en que estos veteranos abordan unos pocos estándares y sus propios originales, sin forzar nunca el tema. El subestimado guitarrista Cal Collins y el baterista Jim Rupp proporcionan apoyo rítmico. De los siete originales de Marr, el mejor se guarda para el final, el animado "Rhythmesque", donde la banda está en llamas y el tenor boppish teñido de blues de Foster salta y salta. El giro en "Abril en París" llamado "París en abril" está en la misma clave, Marr asimilando el estilo ardiente de Wild Bill Davis y Foster tocando la tarta dulce, como lo hace en la mayor parte de la fecha. "Your Basic Gospel Tune", inspirada por Horace Silver, es como una mezcla de "Groove Merchant" y "Red Top", Foster sonando feliz y en sintonía con el swing fácil y conmovedor de Marr. "Basie-cally Speaking" está basada en "Whirly Bird"; "I'm Saving All My Hugs for You" está inspirada en "Lil' Darlin'." Foster contribuyó con el único "Kathern the Great" para un exigente fanático en N.Y.C., otro fácil balanceo con el órgano al final citando "Who's Got the Last Laugh Now". También se incluye el siempre verde "Just a Closer Walk with Thee", donde Marr utiliza un sonido más orientado a la iglesia en uno de sus teclados de órgano, y un enfoque más ardiente en el otro, como Jimmy Smith. "If I Had You", sin Foster, es la única característica de Collins, un tratamiento de balada donde la guitarra establece el tema y extrapola sobre él, el organista hace lo mismo, entonces ambos se consumen juntos. Esta es una de esas grabaciones que suena muy bien, pero pide un seguimiento. Foster nunca ha tocado con ningún organista antes, y Marr parece ser la hoja perfecta.
1. B Jam Shuffle (5:25) Marr
2. Kathern The Great (6:13) Foster
3. Your Basic Gospel Tune (6:47) Marr
4. Basie-cally Speaking (4:43) Marr
5. I'm Saving All My Sweet Hugs 4U (6:24) Marr
6. Paris In April (5:24) Marr
7. Just A Closer Walk With Thee (8:38)
8. If I Had You (3:38) Shapiro, Campbell, Connelly
9. The Very Thought Of You (6:38) Ray Noble
10. Stolen Sweets (4:17) Marr
11. Rhythmesque (4:53) Marr
Credits:
Hank Marr - Hammond B-3 Organ
Frank Foster - Tenor Sax
Cal Collins - Guitar
Jim Rupp - Drums
Double Time Records - DBLT 134
1998
Total Time 63:06
MORE Hank Marr ...
This file is intended only for preview!
I ask you to delete the file from your hard drive after reading it.
No comments:
Post a Comment