DR LONNIE SMITH - Evolution
(Blue Note Records)
Dr Lonnie Smith (Hammond B-3 Organ) Jonathen Kreisberg (gtr) Jonathen Blake (drs) with on various tracks: Robert Glasper (pno) John Ellis (tnr, bs clt,flt)) Keyon Harrold (tpt) Joe Dyson (drs) Joe Lovano (tnr & sop) Maurice Brown tpt)
This is a most welcome return to the Blue Note Catalogue of Dr Lonnie Smith after forty five years. A pioneer of the Hammond B-3, he has assembled here a core trio, of up and coming New Yorker Jonathen Kreisberg on guitar, who had previously been with Joe Henderson and Michael Brecker, alongside one of the most sought after of today's drum men Jonathen Blake from Philadelphia, who is from the bands of Tom Harrell and Kenny Barron to name just two.
The leader contributes five of the seven compositions in this largely soul and funk based recording, demonstrating that he has lost none of his prowess on the instrument over the years. Robert Glasper plays a fine piano solo on the opener "Play It Back" whilst Joe Lavano suprises with the little heard G Mezzo Soprano on a tight arrangement of another original "Afrodesia", before showing why he is rated so highly on tenor with a trade mark solo on the ballad "For Heavens Sake". Monk's "Straight No Chaser" receives a unique reading, where the theme is much understated, but provides the perfect platform for Jonathen Kreisberg's guitar. A fiery trumpet interlude from Maurice Brown and collective vocals by the full group feature on "Talk About This" heralding a vast change of style and raise the bar considerably for the closing numbers.
"My Favoutite Thing's" has often been looked upon as a gift to jazz from Rogers and Hammerstein, gratefully received by John Coltrane. On this occasion it is given a masterful and fresh interpretation by the trio. The eleven minutes open as the theme is barely teased out by the Hammond B-3, underpinned by fine work on the bass drum before the performance is brought fully to life by the guitar as the tempo quickens and then becomes a tour de force for Dr Smith with numerous twists and turns before things gradually return to understatement as the theme is reprised and the track runs down giving a full sense of completion to a superb musical journey.
"African Suite", closes the album, introducing the flute of John Ellis over the jungle like drums of Joe Dyson and Jonathen Blake as guitar riffs and group chanting add a feeling of authenticity. The tempo rises and animal sounds are perceived as the organ comes into it's own before the tension increases even further, but is finally resolved as the flute leads the way to a controlled ending. Once more a highly satisfying, atmospheric and complete performance.
This is a fine album that will give more and more to most with repeated listening.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
(Blue Note Records)
Dr Lonnie Smith (Hammond B-3 Organ) Jonathen Kreisberg (gtr) Jonathen Blake (drs) with on various tracks: Robert Glasper (pno) John Ellis (tnr, bs clt,flt)) Keyon Harrold (tpt) Joe Dyson (drs) Joe Lovano (tnr & sop) Maurice Brown tpt)
This is a most welcome return to the Blue Note Catalogue of Dr Lonnie Smith after forty five years. A pioneer of the Hammond B-3, he has assembled here a core trio, of up and coming New Yorker Jonathen Kreisberg on guitar, who had previously been with Joe Henderson and Michael Brecker, alongside one of the most sought after of today's drum men Jonathen Blake from Philadelphia, who is from the bands of Tom Harrell and Kenny Barron to name just two.
The leader contributes five of the seven compositions in this largely soul and funk based recording, demonstrating that he has lost none of his prowess on the instrument over the years. Robert Glasper plays a fine piano solo on the opener "Play It Back" whilst Joe Lavano suprises with the little heard G Mezzo Soprano on a tight arrangement of another original "Afrodesia", before showing why he is rated so highly on tenor with a trade mark solo on the ballad "For Heavens Sake". Monk's "Straight No Chaser" receives a unique reading, where the theme is much understated, but provides the perfect platform for Jonathen Kreisberg's guitar. A fiery trumpet interlude from Maurice Brown and collective vocals by the full group feature on "Talk About This" heralding a vast change of style and raise the bar considerably for the closing numbers.
"My Favoutite Thing's" has often been looked upon as a gift to jazz from Rogers and Hammerstein, gratefully received by John Coltrane. On this occasion it is given a masterful and fresh interpretation by the trio. The eleven minutes open as the theme is barely teased out by the Hammond B-3, underpinned by fine work on the bass drum before the performance is brought fully to life by the guitar as the tempo quickens and then becomes a tour de force for Dr Smith with numerous twists and turns before things gradually return to understatement as the theme is reprised and the track runs down giving a full sense of completion to a superb musical journey.
"African Suite", closes the album, introducing the flute of John Ellis over the jungle like drums of Joe Dyson and Jonathen Blake as guitar riffs and group chanting add a feeling of authenticity. The tempo rises and animal sounds are perceived as the organ comes into it's own before the tension increases even further, but is finally resolved as the flute leads the way to a controlled ending. Once more a highly satisfying, atmospheric and complete performance.
This is a fine album that will give more and more to most with repeated listening.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
