Can you say “straightahead jazz”? Pianist and professor Jerry Tolson says it 11 different ways, featuring his working group of David Clark (alto), Doug Elmore (bass) and Dwight Dozier (drums), with guests on several tracks. All but the blazing opener, Horace Silver’s “Split Kick,” are originals. On this, “Sweet Cakes and Honey” and the loping, bluesy “Walnut Street Stroll,” guest altoist Antonio Hart matches musical wits with Clark. New Orleans trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis adds some bottom groove to “Summer Solstice,” a Coltrane-inspired piece, and helps the closing “Fat Tuesday” strut with some barbecue. The title track and “The Verdict Is In” feature the great Rufus Reid on bass and add the tasty guitar of Jeff Sherman. Tolson carefully annotates each track, without becoming overly academic, pointing out his inspirations. The album overall is polished yet soulful.
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.
