Great stuff from a legend mising too long
C. Katz | Peoples Republic Of Massachussettes | 12/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If your looking at my reviews and see this you probably know about the great Grachan Moncur III LP's on Blue Note "Some Other Stuff" and "Evolution" plus the great contribution he made to Jackie Mclean's Lp's like'One Step Beyond".I recommend your reading the article about him at allaboutjazz.He was noted for this,played with Ray Charles,had some work but by end of 60's fell on hard times.More recently he has gotten some work with Cassandra Wilson but up till his work on recent CD 'Explorations-also excellent) he was out of scene.But heard "Explorations and now this independent label release "Inner City Blues".While he may not have the fire in his early 70's that he had a a young man he can still swing it and his composition,like on those Blue Note LP's is still superb.Here they include:
1. G Train (For Duke Ellington)
2. Inner City Blues
3. Hilda
4. A for Pops (For Louis Armstrong)
5. Blue Rondo (For Jackie McLean)
6. Sonny's Back! (For Sonny Rollins)- I: Sonny's Back! II: Clifford Browning
Mocur's band seems to be a group of young players most of whom you wouldn't notice.But standouts are and excellent young tenor player Mitch Marcus (liked what I heard on his facebook page) and Ben Adams on Vibraphone.This is an Cd to check out.It is yet another tragedy that that happens time ad time again in jazz where a great just get's passed by for one reason or another.But it is such a joy when it's get's corrected and the man still has it.The soud is different from 60's but the style still has many elements that are the same.If you like a mellow inside/outside sound this is a great CD.As I always try to say to help those who need it go to Jazz Foundation Of America and help if you can.The moncur's,James Clay's and Herbie Nichol's of this world who have given jazz folks so much joy occasionally need support.
Cheers
Chazz"
Fresh, crisp, warm and clear
Benissimo | Rome, Italy | 07/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this album has a bright, fresh sound with a precise, lively sense of discovery. I don't know how they pull it off, but the arrangements manage to sound like the best of 1964 and 2008 at the same time. from the very first listen this album grabbed me, and it invites and rewards repeated listenings. if you like Grachan Moncur III, you can't go wrong with this album. listening to it now brings a smile to my face. highly recommended."