Search - Cecil Brooks III :: Live at Sweet Basil

Try this! you'll like it!

Rob Watkins | Augusta, Georgia United States | 04/25/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"cecil brooks iii may not be a household name in new york, let alone nationally, but he is one of the swingingest drummers on the jazz scene right now, as this disc testifies. mr. brooks is the drummer for pianist john hicks' working trio, which it takes ten seconds to realize is the foundation for this album, fleshed out with two horns (don braden on tenor and newcomer riley mullins on trumpet). the group plays extremely well together, driving each other and pushing each other during the solos that freely swing around the circle of the band. all of these are extended tracks giving each soloist ample room to expand and play with the themes of each tune. highlights are the burning opener "bounce" and the cool swing of "chelsea bridge." mr. mullins is a pleasant discovery. he sounds like a young freddie hubbard, but still has his own voice. one star deducted for the not always crisp live recording and the cut-down version of "but beautiful"--i'd like to hear the WHOLE song, please! minor quibbles, though, you will enjoy this disc."