Search - Red Rodney :: Then & Now

More then than now

Ozzie | Brugge, Flanders | 09/12/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Red Rodney was there when bebop was alive and well, up on the stand with the likes of Charlie Parker et al. He tries to recreate that music on this album, albeit with a modern twist. Sadly, the "now" part of the proceedings lie entirely with the young bandmembers Rodney has surrounded himself with, for there is little modernity in his own playing. A young Chris Potter sounds a little inexperienced in all his enthusiasm, but the talent is clearly there. Pianist Garry Dial doesn't play like the old-fashioned bebop pianists at all, his playing is definitely modern AND highly melodic. As a high fidelity re-recording of some of bebop's most famous tunes, this album does the trick, but Rodney's playing somehow sounded more energetic on the old Prestige-albums. Rodney discusses the members in the band, and every track seperately. There is also a very nice interview track at the end of the disc, which is a worthwile bonus."