Search - Junior Mance :: Blue Minor

God awsul expensive but hey it's worth it

C. Katz | Peoples Republic Of Massachussettes | 06/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Junior Mance just bows me away.In his 80's he is creating music with all the chops and soul he was 50 years ago.He on the Mojo label he teams up with Japanese bassist Hidehinko Tanaka,drummer Jackie Williams,and special guest Houston Person.Adept a bop,ballads whatever Mances style seems to always be firmly rooted in the blues so Person is a perfect match and the results are inspired.They start with Sonny Clark's "Blue Minor",Go into a stately version of "Django" ( though what version isn't?) and then for some reason "Blue Monk" is labeled as "When I love My Baby".It is done so slow it's like a W.C Handy written funeral march.But it just works.Next is an "Old Folks" which is just a great tune not a wringer for sentiment as so often played.The arpeggio's used aren't overwrought and you just sink into it like a comfortable slipper.A Mance solo of "Single Petal Of A Rose Follows" and you here the space and the beauty of Mance's piano so clearly you appreciate how good digital recording has gotten.You here the piano,the room etc."I Don't Care has the trio bring up the tempo with a a touch of stride added to the flair.Person joins the the trio for a nice slow rendition of "All The Way"."All Blues" is next and instead of speeding up the tempo it is is played as dead slow as you can imagine which means Mance has to throw in notes and frills that make it unique among any versions you might have of the song.It really is a blues tune here.It's like Billa Evans imitating a Delta player.It's great.Next to last is a trio version of "How Long Has This Been Going On?".I never can not think of the version Ella did as a title tune with Stan Getz.But her's swings (even though it was ballad) compared to the pace here.Here it's precious but in the true meaning of the word not meant as a sarcastic slight.The album ends with Hoagy Charmichales "Small Fry".This is a slow and blusey Lp with charm and humor.If your in the mood you' think to yourself yeah it's not the cleanest playing but it isn't supposed to be" and simply "It doesn't get better than this".Sometimes you get what you pay for.

Peace

Chazz"