Search - John Hicks :: Sweet Love of Mine

Sweet Love of Mine
John Hicks
Sweet Love of Mine
Genres: Jazz, Pop
 
  •  Track Listings (10) - Disc #1

The late pianist John Hicks' final recording finds him in a mellower, more mainstream setting than he was when hitting his artistic peak with the likes of David Murray and Pharoah Sanders. But with its finely etched solo p...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: John Hicks
Title: Sweet Love of Mine
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: HighNote Records
Original Release Date: 1/1/2006
Re-Release Date: 9/26/2006
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Style:
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 632375714222

Synopsis

Amazon.com
The late pianist John Hicks' final recording finds him in a mellower, more mainstream setting than he was when hitting his artistic peak with the likes of David Murray and Pharoah Sanders. But with its finely etched solo performances, elegant standards readings by a quartet including tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson and Latin treatments by a quintet including flutist Elise Wood, Hicks' wife, Sweet Love of Mine amounts to an enjoyable overview of the qualities that made him special. With his background in blues, spirituals and bop (he was a rare alumnus of both the Jazz Messengers and that other famous "finishing school," Betty Carter's backing trio), Hicks had a world of styles to draw upon, but never let those seams show in his playing. The songs here unfold with consummate grace and, in the case of Benny Golson's beautiful "I Remember Clifford" and Hicks' own "Sunset Blues," posthumous emotion. --Lloyd Sachs--

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CD Reviews

Sorry But This Isn't That Great Of A John Hicks Album
J. Rich | 03/30/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)

""Sweet Love Of Mine" marks the last recording jazz pianist John Hicks made before his death. While I think there are some selections that are just amazing like his solo piano excursions "One Peaceful Moment" or his duet with saxophonist Javon Jackson on "I'll Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out Dry," among others, I don't think this record is the best place to start exploring this wonderfully gifted musician.



Why I am giving this session 3-stars is because of flutist Elise Wood, who happens to have one of the most terrible flute tones I've ever heard, ruined the whole vibe of the record. I'm sorry, but she did. Trust me when I say this, if you want to hear a real flute player listen to David "Fathead" Newman or Jerry Dodgion. They have the tone. Making matters worse is her approach to sustain, she doesn't hold notes out long enough or doesn't seem to capable to play sustained notes.



The rest of the band are all fine musicians: Javon Jackson on tenor saxophone, Curtis Lundy on bass, Victor Jones on drums, and Ray Mantilla on percussion. These musicians provide great support to John Hicks.



This recording had so much potential, unfortunately it falls short no thanks the dreadful flutist Elise Wood. I would recommend his trio albums instead like "Something To Live For: The Billy Strayhorn," which is one of the most beautiful albums Hicks ever made or "Beyond Expectations." I would save your money and avoid this. I would only pick this one up for its historical purposes."