Now in his 70s, Donald Bailey still swings hard. Joined by the dynamic saxophonist Odean Pope (long a member of Max Roach’s band), Bailey presents a varied program. Pianist George Burton shows dexterity throughout, while bassist Tyrone Brown is given plenty of solo space. “Gone Now” shows just how funky 5/4 timing can be, while “Variations” is an up-tempo waltz. “Fifth House,” “Family Portrait” and “USQ/Trilogy” all demonstrate Bailey’s adept modern grooves, but two tracks deserve special mention: “For All We Know,” Bailey does not play, allowing Pope and Brown to weave a beautiful tapestry. Jazz standard “Blue Gardenia” finds Bailey on harmonica. Bailey’s album further fulfills the premise of the Blueprints series: spotlighting lesser-known yet excellent musicians who deserve wider exposure. —Martin Z. Kasdan Jr.
Sign up. We hope you like us, but if you don't, you can unsubscribe by following the links in the email, or by dropping us a note at leo@leoweekly.com.
Signup
By clicking “subscribe” above, you consent to allow us to contact you via email, and store your information using our third-party Service Provider. To see more information about how your information is stored and privacy protected, visit our policies page.
Subscribe to LEO Weekly Newsletters
Sign up. We hope you like us, but if you don't, you can unsubscribe by following the links in the email, or by dropping us a note at leo@leoweekly.com.
To sign up now, enter your email address in the field below and click the Subscribe button.
By clicking “Subscribe” above, you consent to allow us to contact you via email, and store your information using our third-party Service Provider. To see more information about how your information is stored and privacy protected, visit our policies page.
