Search - Woody Shaw :: Lotus Flower

All Music Guide Review (4 stars out of 5)!

Erik Ferenz | Langley, WA USA | 07/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD features one of trumpeter Woody Shaw's finest groups, a quintet with trombonist Steve Turre, pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Stafford James, and drummer Tony Reedus. The five-song program has an original apiece by each of the musicians (other than Reedus) with two by the leader. Shaw was one of the great trumpeters of all time, as he shows on such advanced yet swinging numbers as "Eastern Joy Dance," "Rahsaan's Run," and "Song of Songs." Virtually every Woody Shaw recording is well worth acquiring, including this one. - Scott Yanow"

Smooth and dreamy

WillieB | 02/24/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The tone Woody Shaw gets out of his trumpet is smooth, his style is unique, and his improvisational skills are impeccable. He has appeared on countless recordings, either as a leader or band member, and I have heard only a few of these releases so I'm no expert on his entire recorded catalogue. However, of those I have heard, this disc is my favorite. His tight and talented band on "Lotus Flower" is, Steve Turre (trombone), Mulgrew Miller (piano), Stafford James (bass), and Tony Reedus (drums). All songs are original upbeat jazz numbers (three composed by the band mates, two by Woody) that groove big time and the playing is superb."