Search - Idrees Suliemanm :: Bird's Grass

Solid bop by a an under recognized leader and a set of pro's

C. Katz | Peoples Republic Of Massachussettes | 01/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though Idrees Sulieman was a laying with Hies in 43'.Monk.Mary Lou Williams,and many big band and small band Prestige settings his move to Copenhagen in 1964 limited his output as a leader.But here in 1976 he has a crack unit one of those perfect bands that pulls it off.With a a young Per Goldscmidt on Baritone (though Yannow lists him as on Tenor at AMG),Horace Parlan,NHOP,and Kenny Clarke it pays off.Two originals,a Legrand tune and standards like "We" and Billies Bounce" make this set a delight.If Suleiman had stayed in USA one assumes he would have gotten much more leadership shots but one never knows.Never a trailblazer inn terms of invoation or a new sound he was the equal of the contemporaries like Byrd,Hubbard,and others though his style staid with that Dizzy,Navarro,Brownie (and who am I forgetting????) with a sound that characterized the 50's Savoy Prestige scene.A good acquisition.Visit Jazz Foundation in these hard times we should give back to those who gave us so much pleasure yet whose art makes them vulnerable.

Peace

Chazz"