Search - Craig Handy :: Reflections in Change

Jazz the way it should be

Edwardobop | 01/11/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is , as stated by Jazz Times writer Thomas Conrad in his liner notes, easily the best of Handy's recordings. The fact that he is painting on such a broad canvas is to be congratulated. There is no settling for worn-out cliches on this totally absorbing album; instead what you get are intriguing and heartfelt musical statements that showcase the creative spirit that is essential to any artist worthy of the title "jazz musician".

Sure, the originallity may be a small stretch for anybody that only wants to hear familiar riffs and "standard" fare arrangements, but surely this is exactly what all good artists feel is the point of making a new recording.

Handy is magnificent throughout. He adopts a rich and powerful tone whatever pace he is travelling at, be it a touching ballad or one of several scorching up-tempo numbers - and the core rhythm team of Geri Allen, Rodney Whitaker and Ali Jackson are all on the same page when it comes to completing the overall color and emotion of this stand-out CD. Guests such as Robin Eubanks and ace arranger Sy Johnson add further to the mix and the ensemble pieces are an integral part of what is a most memorable journey. One of those recordings that you want to play over and over and still hear something new and rewarding with each play."