Search - Scott Hamilton, Danny Moss :: Mainstream Giants of Jazz

Mainstream Jazz Giants 2007

John C. Graham | toronto, ontario Canada | 04/21/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When this recording came to my attention I knew I had to have it. Danny Moss has always been a favourite of mine and I'd become familiar with the other English players on this disc years ago with their recordings on different smaller labels including Zephyr and, more recently, Woodville. With Scott Hamilton thrown into the mix the decision to purchase was immediate.



For those of you who may not be familiar with some or all of these musicians, fear not, they are absolutely world class professionals who can hold their own in the company of any 'star' soloist. Drummer Martin Drew spent 30 years with Oscar Peterson and another 30 with Ronnie Scott. Guitarist Dave Cliff has toured and recorded with Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh among many others. John Pearce is the pianist of choice for Scott Hamilton's British quartet. Len Skeat has performed with every soloist of consequence in England and continues to play the bass in the Pizza Express all stars.



The two tenors on this Mainstream Giants Of Jazz 2007 recording are 27 years apart in age, Hamilton born in '54 and Moss In '27. Both of them, however, come from the old school of saxophone playing, where Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster are still viewed as the supreme masters. Moss has a sound more akin to Hawkins, strong, deep and breathy. Hamilton sounds warm, relaxed, and lighter than Moss. It's fairly easy to tell the difference between them.



This CD presents a program of 12 old standards played in a relaxed and confident manner. There are groups within the group here and Moss doesn't play every tune with Hamilton. They play together on 8 of the cuts with a variety in the rhythm section. Pearce and Drew sit out on a few and Cliff sits out on some as well. Pearce has a solo number and Cliff and Skeat play a duet. The variety is great on this long disc and there's plenty of Moss and Hamilton to satisfy anyone's tenor cravings.



Personally, I can never get enough of Danny Moss and his gutsy tenor. This may not be his finest showcase as he was sick and undergoing treatment at this time. However, he still sounds relatively strong and the lines of musical brilliance from his horn are proof enough of his tremendous ability. Hamilton had played with Moss quite a bit back in the 80's and clearly sounds relaxed and comfortable on this recording. There's nothing new or startling on this disc, just a couple of fine tenor players from the old school enjoying the company of each other and the top notch rhythm team as well. Thanks to RMP for this one. I couldn't do without it.



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