Echoes Of Ethnicity

DERRICK GARDNER & THE JAZZ PROPHETS: Echoes of Ethnicity
Owl Studios, 2009

BOP – Normally a sextet, this long-running group expands to an octet for an appealing set of energetic “little big band” hardbop. The up numbers are straight up and swing like a sledgehammer, and the slower tunes have a sweet, soulful touch. Solid stuff from the mainstream.

* * * * | Fo’s Picks: 1, 3, 7, 8, 10

1. 7:31 – upbeat bustling bop: very lively horn solos, based loosely on “Four”
2. 7:05 – latin tune with unusual, perky horn lines; rolling sax, strolling piano
3. 5:49 – big punchy sound with a bit of soul & strong, striding horn solos
4. 6:18 – Aretha Franklin hit takes on New Orleans march rhythm, soul horns
5. 6:53 – a cool walk, big band sound: ambling trombone & some odd breaks
6. 8:20 – lesser-known Freddie Hubbard tune, sassy with a latin touch
7. 8:46 – standard ballad: wonderful trumpet & rich ensemble horns
8. 7:00 – upbeat and loose, with a sunny, satisfied feel… music for a nice day
9. 7:21 – briskly rolling, tricky arrangement: burrowing horns, slows down later
10. 8:09 – simple Mingus-y riff alternates 6/4 & 4/4 time; chewy like taffy

[ Fo ] 06/13/09