Magnificent ...brilliant
Pork Chop | Lisbon, Portugal | 05/23/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have to admit that I originally was attracted to this
CD release for the number "St. James Infirmary " which
featured prominently on a guitar album from jazz-rock
musician Frank Zappa, back in the 1990's.
The CD is nothing short of brilliant and heart-felt,
with the vocalist, Royal Blue stepping in on the above
blues standard, brilliantly executed, in a style
extremely reminscent of the great HOWLIN WOLF, of
whom I have immense respect as an entertainer.
Just as an aside, Royal Blue was apparently a victim
of a mysterious murder by his brother-in-law, so
this appearance is extremely unique for those wishing
to obtain a performance on CD. On the number, the great
Archie Shepp allows his sax to groan in pain to the
lyrics touching up on pain and physical degeneration.
Next, A Night In Tunisia is very competently played,
in a style not unlike the great Dizzy Gillespie or
even, other greats Miles Davis or John Coltrane. The number
flows freely, and this is somewhat of a cliche' in terms of
repertoire, but I guess the audience needs to get a feel
for something they can relate with, and have heard some
time in their past musical experience, considing the little
playtime jazz gets in the mass media and radio these days.
In fact, it's pleasant to hear, and segues well from the above
number.
At this point, Giant Steps is heard.....the Coltrane classic
from Coltrane's own repertoire, and is well played, showing
agility on the instrument, with superb playmanship accompaniment
by the pianist, George Cables.
The final touches on this CD, is My Romance ......which
comes from the Rodgers and Hart songbook, themselves legends
in the music business, obviously, having composed other
incredible standards well over half a century ago. The
sophistication of this number, contrasts with the deep soul,
R&B, melancholic approach of the first number on this CD,
and as such, is extremely effective.
Overall, the CD clocks well over 30 minutes, providing
exposure to incredible playmanship, despite the odd background
noises of cash registers, applause and what not, not unlike
Miles Davis's Plugged Nicket box set, or the Charlie Parker
Onyx releases, for example. Not a distraction. Not at all.
For those who can reach within themselves as demonstrated
by Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, or even Robert Johnson,
and who admire jazz legends, this is a great value and surprise
to have in one's collection."
Track Listings (4) - Disc #1