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 RuthManuel 'Guajiro' Mirabal
Buena Vista Social Club presents...
SONNY FORTUNE
You and the Night and the Music
THE JOHN POPPER PROJECT feat. DJ Logic
ALLEN TOUSSAINT
The Bright Mississippi
HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN
Four Dead Batteries - Original Soundtrack
NIA QUINTET
End of Time
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.