Search - Sadao Watanabe & the Great Jazz Trio :: I'm Old Fashioned (Jewl)

Old Fashioned Playing By The Legendary Great Jazz Trio Plus

4-Legged Defender | ATL. GA. | 04/06/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the better cd`s by the legendary Great Jazz Trio, consisting of Hank Jones, Tony Williams and Ron Carter, and one of the more overlooked entries in their catalog. It`s usually listed under Sadao Watanabe`s name, and he was doing what all sax players were doing back in the mid 70`s - selling his soul to get radio attention and sell LP`s. But make no mistake here, this isn`t smooth jazz, fuzak, radio-friendly swill or some puddle of piss others swam in back then, this is real jazz, played by masters that was out of place then, but stands up remarkably well today. Who knew after listening to some of Sadao`s more commercial outings (see above) that he could do justice to Charlie Parker, play a wicked, inspired flute, or even hold his own w/ Hank, Ron and Tony? Speaking of Tony, he lights up the whole proceeding with remarkable timing, amazing swing, killer fills and fragmented meter aplenty. Ron Carter will always be my favorite upright basss player, and his communication and rhythmic bond w/ Tony is supernatural. Hank is always superb, but it`s good this time he`s playing support, rather than as a leader. It means that the younger lions take center stage, and the results are more fiery than usual. This recording is amazing, and should be required listening in every jazz lover`s collection. A true gem."