Better Late Than Never?
Frank Bock | 11/22/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's interesting to note that in the liner notes to Grant Green's The Matador, described this session as "somewhat disappointing." Now, Cuscuna has mostly just praise for The Kicker, though he does point out similar to the amazon review that this was a much more straightforward Hutcherson than most of the public was used to. I'm rather surprised as Hutcherson did play on some avante garde sessions with Eric Dolphy, Andrew Hill, Jackie McLean, and Archie Shepp, but for every avante garde session, there was another like Grant Green's Idle Moments, or his Streets of Dreams (with Larry Young and Elvin Jones). And, Hutcherson recorded several straight ahead sessions himself like 1966 session called Stick-Up! with Billy Higgins. That one is beautiful, straight ahead jazz. And albums like Patterns (with James Spaulding and Joe Chambers) are relatively straightforward. Anyways, The Kicker. The album is great. The same lineup as Grant Green's Idle Moments (with Green appearing on only 3/6 tracks), The Kicker perhaps lacks the intamacy of Idle Moments, but shines much brighter. There are obviously easy comparisons to both. They were recorded with the same personel, a month apart. Songs contributions come from Joe Chambers (who's not on the session), Duke Pearson (who is), Joe Henderson (two here), and Bobby H (1), plus a standard to finish it off. The standard is If Ever I would Leave You, and it's quite pretty. But it's the second song, Mirrors, by Joe Chambers that really caught my eye. It's slow and sensuous, and kind of has that Joe Chambers style to it. It's interesting to hear it though with Al Harewood on drums. For Duke P. is for Duke Pearson (though was only named by Hutcherson for this release in 1999), is great... medium to up tempo and has some ultra-cool vibes playing. The last three songs each have Green on them which changes the scene a bit. Joe Henderson's, The Kicker has been recorded by just about everone, and is given a good, standard treatment here. Step Lightly is something pretty like what we would have found on Idle Moments. Bedouin was already familiar to bass player, Bob Cranshaw, and Grant Green as they played it on Green's The Matador. It's interesting to hear both versions. Above all, The Kicker is great Bobby H. Like I said, it may not be as great as Idle Moments... though what is? There is some great playing by everyone here. Joe Henderson was really coming to his own, and his tenor sax playing is unique and perfect for this setting. Bobby Hutcherson is always good, whether straight ahead or avante garde. Green rules. And Duke Pearson, Al Harewood, and Bob Cranshaw make for a kickin' rhythm section. I love Pearson in particular and find his piano playing to be quite subtle and fun to listen to in the mix. Focusing on his playing is great. So get the album. It's a good one. Especially for one that took 35 years to release!"
STRAIGHT AHEAD HUTCHERSON
Unlucky Frank | Lalaland, CA United States | 05/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you like your jazz straight ahead and you love vibes, don't listen to the reviewer below. THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL FIVE STAR SESSION. And one of Hutcherson's best recordings. It's been described as somewhat disjointed because Grant Green plays on only the last three tracks, but it lends a little variety to the mix. Most of the tracks are Tenorman Joe Henderson's compositions. Yes, a lot of people rave about DIALOGUE, but it's too avant-garde for my taste. This one has been long out of print and the price is a little steep. I seem to have a hard time finding coherent straight ahead vibes playing like this, so to me it was worth every penny. I hardly ever agree with Cook and Morton of PENGUIN'S GUIDE TO JAZZ, but here's what they had to say about this reissue: "The KICKER wasn't available until 1999, an astonishing oversight on Blue Note's part... it remains a mystery that this record should have been considered so marginal that it lay in the vaults for 30 years."
If you like the straight ahead feel of this recording, of course you'll also want Grant Green's IDLE MOMENTS which includes the same line-up. But, you should also check out Dexter Gordon's GETTIN' AROUND. An underrated album in Dexter's Blue Note catalog as far as I'm concerned. And it showcases some beautiful vibes playing by Hutcherson.
Enjoy.
"
I f you like Grant Green's Idle Moments, this is for you
Nick | New Lenox, IL USA | 11/05/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I really didn't know what to expect from this reissue, and I was floored that this session was never put out. It blows me away. I love Grant Green, and he is only on half on the cd, but the whole cd is strong. You will not be dissappointed."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1