Minions Dominion
Frank A. Clark | Syracuse, NY USA | 01/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a terrific CD. A tribute to the late Elvin Jones, it is beautifully played and wonderfully reminiscent. Delfeayo has not recorded anything under his own name for 10 years and, hence, may be unfamiliar as a player to many readers of these remarks. That should begin to change in the wake of this effort. The tunes span the gamut from contemporary bop ("B'rer Rabbit" and "Minions Dominion") to traditional (Ellington's "Just Squeeze Me"), to a haunting Coltrane-inspired piece ("Lost in the Crescent") that in this context pays homage to Jones' days with the Great One's classic quartet. There is an original ballad ("If You Only Knew") on which Delfeayo, an unabashed sentimentalist at heart, lays down some of the most beautifully restrained trombone playing I have ever heard. And a straight ahead tribute to Jones ("Lone Warrior") on which I would say his playing reaches a pinnacle had I not heard him play it even better live at the Blue Note earlier this month in New York. A word about the sidemen is in order. The rhythm section, led by Jones himself, and including Mulgrew Miller on piano, is as tight as one would expect. This was one of Jones' last recordings, and all of his gifts are in evidence. Never one for the spotlight, he nevertheless drives the group with a relentless and unerring sense of tone and timing. Delfeayo's brother, Branford, and Donald Harrison each appear on the CD. Check out Branford's playing on "Minions" and "Lost in the Crescent," then go out and buy his own latest ("Braggtown") and listen to "Jack Baker." If there is anyone in jazz today who plays with greater speed, technique and control, I challenge you to name him. WOW! Needless to say, I am really impressed with this CD. I have listened to it about 20 times, and each time, I hear something new. It's a wonderful effort, and it whets the appetite for more from this talented member of the Marsalis family.
Frank A. Clark, Co-Founder
JAZZ IN THE CITY
Syracuse, NY"
Listen to it
R. S. Naefe | 11/04/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Nothing like the sound of a good trombone player and Delfeayo is just that. Elvin Jones is on the CD and sounds wonderful. I love the variety of sound. From Lonesone Warrior to the last cut, just wonderful. The mark for me is would I listen to it again and again, YES I would. I hope Delfeayo makes more and more music."
