John Hicks • Is That So?

 

Review by Alex Henderson
Like so many straight-ahead jazz artists, John Hicks did his share of label-hopping in the '90s. Instead of recording for one company consistently, he would offer different projects to different labels. During the summer of 1990, the veteran pianist traveled to Monster, Holland, and recorded Is That So? for the Dutch Timeless label. It isn't uncommon for American jazz musicians to play or record with European improvisers when they travel overseas, but on this bop-oriented CD, Hicks forms an acoustic piano trio with two fellow Americans: bassist Ray Drummond and drummer Idris Muhammad. Both are fine musicians and both serve Hicks well at a session that emphasizes well-known standards. Not many surprises occur; most of the songs that the trio embraces are warhorses that have been recorded countless times over the years. "Yesterdays," "I'll Remember April," "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise," and "Autumn Leaves" are all great songs -- that is undeniable -- but even so, it would be nice to hear Hicks unearthing some gems that haven't been beaten to death. Nonetheless, one is inclined to be forgiving because he is such an appealing soloist. Is That So? (which Hicks produced himself) may not be the most challenging or chance-taking album of the improviser's career, but his lyrical, melodic pianism is still attractive. And his accompaniment isn't anything to complain about; no one will ever accuse Drummond or Muhammad (who was the quintessential soul-jazz drummer in the '70s) of not having major chops. Is That So? falls short of essential, but all things considered, it is an album that Hicks' hardcore fans will find to be pleasing and solid -- warhorses and all.
https://www.allmusic.com/album/is-that-so--mw0000612741

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Reseña de Alex Henderson
Como tantos artistas de jazz sinceros, John Hicks hizo su parte de cambiar de sello discográfico en los años 90. En lugar de grabar para una compañía constantemente, ofrecería diferentes proyectos a diferentes sellos. Durante el verano de 1990, el veterano pianista viajó a Monster, Holanda, y grabó Is That So? para el sello holandés Timeless. No es raro que los músicos de jazz estadounidenses toquen o graben con improvisadores europeos cuando viajan al extranjero, pero en este CD orientado al bop, Hicks forma un trío de piano acústico con dos compatriotas estadounidenses: el bajista Ray Drummond y el baterista Idris Muhammad. Ambos son excelentes músicos y ambos sirven bien a Hicks en una sesión que enfatiza estándares bien conocidos. No ocurren muchas sorpresas; La mayoría de las canciones que interpreta el trío son caballos de guerra que se han grabado innumerables veces a lo largo de los años. "Yesterdays", "I'll Remember April", "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise" y "Autumn Leaves" son todas grandes canciones (eso es innegable), pero aun así, sería bueno escuchar a Hicks desenterrando Algunas gemas que no han sido asesinadas a golpes. Sin embargo, uno tiende a perdonar porque es un solista muy atractivo. ¿Es eso así? (que Hicks produjo él mismo) puede que no sea el álbum más desafiante o arriesgado de la carrera del improvisador, pero su pianismo lírico y melódico sigue siendo atractivo. Y su acompañamiento no es nada de qué quejarse; Nadie acusará jamás a Drummond o Muhammad (quien fue el baterista de soul-jazz por excelencia en los años 70) de no tener grandes dotes. ¿Es eso así? no llega a ser esencial, pero considerando todo, es un álbum que los fanáticos incondicionales de Hicks encontrarán agradable y sólido, con caballos de Battalla y todo.
https://www.allmusic.com/album/is-that-so--mw0000612741


 

Tracks:
1 - Is That So? 7:30
2 - Autumn Leaves 6:22
3 - How Insensitive 8:52
4 - April Eyes 5:10
5 - Yesterdays 4:50
6 - Emily 7:48
7 - I'll Remember April 9:09
8 - Never Let Me Go 8:11
9 - Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise 5:21
10 - Sonnymoon For Two 6:14


Credits:
    Bass – Ray Drummond
    Drums – Idris Muhammad
    Engineer [Recording] – Max Bolleman
    Executive-Producer – Wim Wigt
    Liner Notes – Russ Musto
    Photography By – Peter Blaikie
    Piano – John Hicks
    Producer [Produced By] – John Hicks

Recording Date : 10 July 1990

Genre:    Jazz
Style:    Bop, Post Bop
Year:    1991
https://www.discogs.com/master/1026522-John-Hicks-Trio-Is-That-So





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