Search - Gene DiNovi, Spike Robinson :: Meet at the Stables

Laid Back and Mellow

John C. Graham | toronto, ontario Canada | 08/31/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Stables is a small and intimate theatre space, with great acoustics, that was turned into a studio for this occasion. The microphones had been set up and the lights were turned down low. The long black theatre drapes added to the night club atmosphere. The musicians were relaxed and jovial, chatting and greeting one another like old friends. Once they started rolling the tape everything just fell into place.



Leon Clayton's choice bass playing and drummer Bobby Worth's subtle timekeeping keep this one flowing. Gene DiNovi is a remarkable pianist, fluent in many styles, who sounds extremely relaxed here. His touch is delicate and precise with romantic overtones, especially on the many slower numbers. He pairs well with the Lester Young inspired tenor playing of Spike Robinson.



You gotta love a guy who starts a musical career in his fifties. Sounding somewhere between Stan Getz and Scott Hamilton, retired engineer Spike Robinson made some nice recordings before he died a few years ago. This one is very relaxed, even subdued in places. There are a few up tempo numbers that add some needed variety but not enough to raise a sweat.



It's a nice recording. The sound is good and everyone plays well. There's just not that much that stays with me afterward. However, if you're looking for a lovely laid back tenor with rhythm section recording, you'll find it here."