Search - New York Connexion :: Crossing the Bridge

A five-star jazz group that really works

Edwardobop | 08/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How many times have you been tempted by a so-called "super-group" recording only to be less than impressed when getting the CD home?

(Yeah... me too).



Well here's some good news. This outing, by some of New York's finest, is one of the best I have heard for a very long time. It's not a new "marketing" ploy either, having been released in 2001.



Robin Eubanks would appear to be the nominated leader for the gathered ensemble, and his mastery on the trombone shines throughout the album. But this is a collaborative recording and every player is obviously enjoying what must have been a wonderful creative space - interacting and soloing with great timing and consumate skill as each track unfolds.



Of special note is the fine understanding that exists between Eubanks and altoist Antonio Hart. The first track "Nine Weeks" is a Hart composition and a perfect vehicle to get the music started. The almost sly sounding opening on bass, cymbals and piano (Lonnie Plaxico, Billy Kilson and Michael Cain respectively) sets the tempo and mood. Then, while the groove keeps moving along, Eubanks and Hart start to weave a stylish and absorbing series of interplays that add further shadowy and mysterious elements to the mix.



Every track has it's own vibe and standout element of surprise; be it one of the six originals brought to the session or one of two covers, the Freddie Hubbard oft recorded jazz standard "Little Sunflower" being one, that grace this top drawer recording.

Joe Locke's "Broken Toy" gives plenty of space for Michael Cain to produce a fine solo before Locke propels himself into the middle section of this beautifully constructed tune.

Cain's "Greeting Ra" is yet another utterly absorbing arrangement, and every young drummer should listen as Kilson takes control of a drum solo with both passion and intellect. Elswhere tenorman Craig Handy also displays his writing and performing chops with a splendid rendition of the latin tinged "Bossa Ballad".



All in all Crossing the Bridge recorded at Systems Two, the famous Brooklyn recording studios - a place where many great jazz recordings have been made over the years, is a finely crafted outing and well worth trying to get your hands on.

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