JOHN ELLIS AND DOUBLE-WIDE

Puppet Mischief

2010-03-15

This is only saxophonist John Ellis' second release as leader of the quartet, Double-Wide. This guy has been around the block a few times, though, having played for five years with Charlie Hunter, regularly touring with the John Patitucci Trio, and guesting on Gilfema's 2008 release, "Gilfema + 2". This album starts out strong with the funky "Okra and Tomatoes". It then moves to the fun, punchy organ highlights of my favorite, "Fauxfessor". The slower, "Dewey Dah" is a nice minor-key piece with haunting organ throughout. If you like your jazz more bluesy, the last track, "This Too Shall Pass", might suit your taste. Both trombone and sousaphone give some tracks a New Orleans feel; but it's the occasional use of the harmonica that really makes this release stand out from the crowd. Rebecca Ruth

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Jazz

  • reviewed 08/2011

    DAVINA AND THE VAGABONDS
    BLACK CLOUD

  • reviewed 11/2006

    NOMO
    Newtones

  • reviewed 09/2015

    Bob Merrill and Roswell Rudd
    Cheerin' Up The Universe

  • reviewed 12/2006

    RACHEL ZAMSTEEN
    Bouquet

  • reviewed 07/2006

    LONNIE SMITH
    Jungle Soul

  • reviewed 06/2016

    The Bill Belasco Trio
    Three Musicians

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.