Swinging group
Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 06/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a wonderful CD featuring the talents of alto sax player Dave Glasser as a member of the Earl May Quartet, a player who has a restrained, muffled, even clandestine sound in his playing (think Sonny Stitt and then think the opposite). Glasser plays especially well on Lester Young's LESTER LEAPS IN, an up-tempo romper that he still approaches in a gentle and calm manner. Yet it swings like crazy. Larry Ham is a confident pianist and plays especially well on SIOUX SUITE (actually SWEET SUE). Barry Harris guests on two tracks, TEA FOR TWO, an up-tempo swinger and MY OLD FLAME, a slow ballad. Earl May, the leader, leads by example and often from the sidelines; he has a big bass sound and supports his players mightily. His solos are direct and to the point. MY FOOLISH HEART has a real nice May solo as does UNDER AFRICAN SKIES. Eddie Locke is the drummer in the group and his support is rock-steady. This is a terrific straight-ahead modern mainstream jazz CD, filled with solid playing from all involved. Definitely worth checking out."