Search - James Chirillo :: Sultry Serenade

Sultry Serenade - musical, far-ranging, and flowing.

tns2 | Allendale, NJ, United States | 07/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of those strong albums that have an inspired way of putting you deeply into the mood for hearing what is played. Actually, moods. The choices range all over the place, yet the album gives a sense of being a well-focussed collection. Each track leads in one's ear and mind with a naturalness and conviction that makes you really glad that that you heard it; there is no feeling that one has been hit with showing off, although the chops are there in large quantity among all hands. All the playing has a crispness that only top players like these can deliver, but what you notice is that the playing moves you, because Chirillo and company are artists. Sitting on top of the virtuosity are taste, thought, impulse, and a sense of beauty that don't sound contrived. The result is an adventurously changing groove. The ensemble work has drive and flow, and the solos flow movingly from one player to another with none of that feeling (all too common) of unconnected soloists rotating like the doodads on a cuckoo clock. There's that overriding feeling of coherence that enhances everything, without being obvious.This is both an ear-catching disk that is fun to listen to, and that still can take you very deep if you care to go that way. Focus and freedom frequently clash; but here they complement each other and produce delight."