Another gem from a master!
Rick Erben | Omaha, NE | 08/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What's to say about a musician such as Louis Hayes? He's one of our jazz treasures - a venerable master of the drumset who has been active since the fifties, has played in groups such as Horace Silver's, Cannonball Adderley's and Oscar Peterson's, and continues to lead groups, showcase younger artists and breath the spirit of jazz tradition while flourishing in the now. That is why I look forward to each of his releases. They're sure to embrace somethings older as well as the new and provide killer-good music. "The Time Keeper" is no exception, and Hayes has assembled a fine group here. Abraham Burton (whom I last recall hearing in the context of drummer Elvin Jones' ensembles) plays tenor saxophone. Vibist Steve Nelson is present on several tracks. The Brazilian pianist Helio Alves and bassist Santi DeBriano round out the group.
Hayes' "Alani's World" is a tantalizing melody with a Latin bridge that gives us opportunity to enjoy Burton's vigorous and edgy tenor work. Appearing with Hayes has a surprising if not unanticipated affect upon Alves' piano playing. While we're accustomed to hearing him in a Brazilian influenced setting, as his roots suggest and wherein he excels, here Alves comes across with a distinctly more aggressive, bop informed sound that is a real kick. We get to savor some of Hayes' drum work before returning to the melody.
Two Horace Silver numbers are featured. The idyllic "Peace" in a bossa treatment is setting for Nelson's vibes. If under sung, Nelson is one of the best vibists around. Burton takes a turn with a lyrical solo and Alves once again captivates. DeBriano takes a wonderful bowed bass solo before Nelson's vibes return to take the number out. "The Preacher" is a gospel infused track as its creator intended. Burton gets right into the sermon with Nelson stepping up to the pulpit next with a message to get the congregation rocking. Alves has caught the spirit also and DeBriano bears witness to the power of the bass. This is "down home" jazz at its best!
Burton's "It's To You" comes smoking right out of the gate and here, again, Alves sounds as if he was brought up in Hard-Bop City rather than in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Burton's solo is aggressive and dives through the waves of Hayes' breakers with thrilling aplomb. There's more opportunity to dig DeBriano's ebullient and resonating bass work.
DeBriano's "Save Yourself" has Nelson and Burton stating the frenetic melody with scintillating solos from Alves, Nelson and Hayes. Burton's "Abellino" is more laid back yet rhythmically dynamic. Jobim's "Double Rainbow" is given a remarkable treatment with an "All Blues" vamp that sets up intriguing solos from a Tyneresque Alves, Burton evoking spirits of Trane, and Nelson, whose "typical" work is superb. The set's standard "Angel Eyes" is no ballad. Indeed, the number says they're glad Angel Eyes isn't there. Ya gotta love DeBriano on bass and, once more, Alves cooks like crazy and Burton makes one wonder why we're not hearing more from him. Leave it to Louis Hayes to set the clock on Now."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1