Cindy Blackman has proved herself equally an accomplished percussionist who doesn't overdo it, but there's something missing from this outing. Although she has tenor saxophonist Ravi Coltrane (who too doubles on soprano sax), pianist Jacky Terrasson (who switches to the bland Fender Rhodes electrical pianoforte on several songs), as well as bassist Ron Carter on mitt (and none of them plays badly), almost of her compositions, which brand upwards the mass of the CD, merely don't concord one's interest. Once clear exception is the lively post-bop "Happy House." Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 handling of rocker Lenny Kravitz' "Let Love Rule" adds a fleck of variety, though lilliputian else. Instead, banking corporation agree out Blackman's before efforts for High Note as well as the now-defunct Muse.
Cindy tin out as well as out play. She swings as well as she tin embellish. This recording succeeds because it incorporates as well as hence many goodness elements. It is reminiscent of Miles' "Filles De Killimanjaro" inwards sure enough ways. The pieces are loose, rhythmic as well as all choose a nighttime beauty. Many of the pieces choose a sense of pacing. There is grace as well as power.
Her drumming is superb as well as would brand Tony Williams smiling amongst her inventiveness on these pieces. Ron Carter is on bass, amongst his unique style, ability as well as subtleties.
Ravi Coltrane is an fantabulous selection for this type of music. He never overplays, he swings, grooves, plays soulfully amongst his ain unique means as well as tone. He shines on every piece. His playing on "King Among Men" is striking. His soprano operate on "Passage" is stunning. He's influenced past times his virile soul nurture inwards tone, but has a Joe Henderson/Wayne Shorter-like economic scheme amongst his notes.
Cindy is wonderful throughout. She plays amongst a ability that brings Tony Williams to mind. That is non to tell that she sounds merely similar Tony, but more, is equally forceful as well as is equally creative amongst that forcefulness. Her cymbal operate too shines on these pieces. She has a unique vocalism on the drums. More people should conk aware of Cindy Blackman.
Jacky Terrasson is outstanding. I was familiar amongst his outstanding acoustic work, but hither on electrical pianoforte he shows us a unlike side of him. He's a natural. He's at domicile amongst the pieces. There's a warmth to his playing, he never over intelectualizes. He plays amongst sensitivity, swing as well as feeling. He has big ears as well as gives each slice precisely what it needs. On "Passage" he plays both electrical as well as acoustic as well as he segues seamlessly from 1 around other "Passage" is an event of this.
Ron Carter is essential inwards this enviromnent. He's as well as hence adept, e'er present, bringing a sure enough pulse to every slice equally he did dorsum inwards that classic quintet. He doesn't choose to play alot of notes, nonetheless his presence resonates throughout.
The pieces hither are all nifty vehicles for improvisation as well as they do. For all of you lot who enjoyed Miles' classic quintet, good here's a recording that spell featuring a saxophonist, a fantabulous 1 at that, volition delight you.
Track list:
1 In The Now 6:45
2 Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Banana For Ron 3:22
3 Passage 6:40
4 Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 King Among Men (For Tony Williams, My Hero) 5:00
5 Sophia 7:24
6 Prince Of Darkness 7:13
7 Happy House 4:34
8 Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Strawberry For Cindy 4:30
9 Let Love Rule 7:55
Personnel:
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Cindy Blackman
Piano, Fender Rhodes – Jacky Terrasson
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Ravi Coltrane
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