An Enjoyable Big Band Tribute to Nat Adderley
John Tapscott | Canada | 10/18/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Diamonds for Nat" is trombonist/arranger Scott Whitfield's swinging and colorful tribute to one of his first professional employers, Nat Adderley. For this April 2005 CD, Scott returns to New York and his 13 piece Jazz Orchestra East, which contains some of NYC's finest, though relatively unheralded jazz musicians.
In his prime Nat Adderley was an excellent cornetist, and throughout his career, he was a composer of inspiring and often memorable jazz tunes. Whitfield has selected Adderley compositions from the various styles and periods of his career. The slightly funky and groovy side of Nat's composing personality is well represented by "Work Song" and "Jive Samba"; the straight ahead side by "This Old Country", "Little Boy With the Sad Eyes", plus the playful "Naturally"; uptempo bebop by "Teaneck" and "Plum Street"; the ballad side by "Roses For Your Pillow"; and the more contemporary side of Nat's later years by "Hummin'".
Whitfield does not over arrange these tunes, but adds some subtle touches which capture and enhance their character. Hear for example, the muted trumpets and flutes on "Little Boy" and the use of Wayne Coniglio's bass trombone and Howard Johnson's tuba on "Hummin." Whitfield opens the tunes up for solo space and spreads solos generously among band members.
The solo strength in the band is impressive, aided by the appearance of saxophonist and long-time Adderley sideman Vincent Herring (especially strong on the opening "Work Song"), trumpeter Marvin Stamm, and baritone saxophonist/tubist Howard Johnson, who makes a strong impression as a soloist and in the ensemble. One of the exciting solo routines occurs in "Plum Street" where Johnson on baritone trades phrases with the band's regular baritonist, Dave Schumacher. Whitfield takes several inspired and agile bop solos, and is quite moving on his "Roses" ballad feature. Among the band's fine soloists are altoists Dave Pietro and Karolina Strassmayer, Dan Jordan on tenor and flute, and Bruce Staelens on trumpet. Special mention should be made of the rhythm section (Kenny Ascher, piano; Phil Palombi, bass; and Darryl Pellegrini, drums), who handle these charts with tasteful drive appropriate to every groove. Ascher also contributes several memorable solos. Scott's Jazz Orchestra East is a fine ensemble, very polished, but perhaps a bit less exciting than Scott's Jazz Orchestra West, featured on the excellent "Minute Game" from 2004.
Overall "Diamonds For Nat" is an enjoyable CD and a warm remembrance of Nat Adderley's memorable compositions. Recommended."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1