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Tha Go 'Round
B Sharp Jazz Quartet
Tha Go 'Round
Genres: Jazz, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (10) - Disc #1

The B Sharp Jazz Quartet is that rarity in today's jazz world of pick-up bands and all-star projects--an acoustic combo that actually plays together, week in, week out, in the studio and on the road. When it comes to devel...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: B Sharp Jazz Quartet
Title: Tha Go 'Round
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Mama Records
Original Release Date: 9/22/1997
Re-Release Date: 9/23/1997
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Styles: Modern Postbebop, Bebop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 734956102029

Synopsis

Amazon.com
The B Sharp Jazz Quartet is that rarity in today's jazz world of pick-up bands and all-star projects--an acoustic combo that actually plays together, week in, week out, in the studio and on the road. When it comes to developing a true rapport and creating arrangements more ambitious than a sequence of solos, there's no substitute for actually sharing the same bandstand night after night. All that time together pays off on the L.A. foursome's album, Tha Go 'Round, which boasts the invigorating and all-too-rare sound of four musicians playing as a band rather than simply waiting for their turns to solo. Drummer Herb Graham Jr. and saxophonist Randall Willis co-founded the group 10 years ago; keyboardist Rodney Lee has been on board since 1995, bassist Osama Afifi since 1996. When one of the four does step forward for a solo, his three bandmates refuse to fall into the background with simple accompaniment; instead the supporting cast pokes and prods at the soloist with ever shifting beats and counterpoint. The album contains interpretations of Thelonious Monk's "Brilliant Corners" and Charlie Parker's "Confirmation," and the B Sharp Jazz Quartet gives these well-worn bop standards an urgent immediacy. On the eight tunes written or cowritten by Graham, the band proves it can shake up these historical precedents with discordant harmonies and funky rhythms. --Geoffrey Himes

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CD Reviews

Don't miss this one
08/24/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sure, you haven't heard of them before. I hadn't either until a local station played "Steppin'". I stopped on the way home and bought the disc. That night I returned to buy the rest of their stuff. And I'm waiting for MORE! These are four PLAYERS, each extremely polished. You can tell they don't just meet up to put together a disc and leave; they really know each other musically and while each is a standout soloist, they mesh perfectly. These aren't loosely thrown-together improv pieces that sometimes fly, sometimes fade. These are tight, sharp performances. Yet there is still ample innovation in the stylings, still striking imagination in the arrangements. Their rendition of Parkers' "Confirmation" absolutely grabs you with a gutsy (almost funky) downbeat and brilliant, articulate piano by Rodney Lee. Herb Graham Jr's drums sizzle and steam throughout. Most is original material, but you'd swear some of this stuff belongs to the era of Miles, Trane, Coleman, Monk, Blakey. This isn't throwback music, tho. And it isn't revisionist jazz either. It's just got that same sensual spirit and cool texture all true jazz fans crave. If you're in L.A.s Crenshaw district, go ahead and make me jealous by seeing them live. Also, pick up their first album (self-titled). The personnel was a little different, but the music still maintains that balance between staying true to the spirit of jazz while bringing a new breed of sophistication and musical intuition to the ear. Think there's nothing new worth adding to your collection? Think everything that's come out since 1965 is a sell-out? Think true jazz is dead? Think again. Here's proof."
This is a top, post-bob title for lovers of jazz and funk
06/14/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a top CD by a very hard playing and hard gigging band. I saw this four piece steal the show at the Brecon Jazz Festival, Wales in Great Britain. The CD begins with a spooky number than moves on to funky jazz reminiscent of John Schofield. There is a great deal to enjoy for the curious listener who has not heard much jazz as well as plenty to the pure jazz lover. The upfront sax and lyrical piano blends superbly with the funk and rock drums and the melodic double bass. Check it out !"