Search - Phil Degreg :: Whirl Away

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Jerry D'Souza | Toronto, Canada | 07/23/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"On this, his second album for J Curve, Phil DeGreg turns up not only as a composer of merit, but as a finer interpreter of songs as well. The mood is often embedded in bop, but there is enough variety to focus on the skills of the players. DeGreg shows a compact sense of harmony that he filters through imaginative excursions on the piano. Abetting him are an emphatic group of players: Don Braden on tenor and soprano saxophones, Randy Johnston on guitar, Bob Bodley on bass and Steve Davis on drums.The band rides on the spirited highway of bop with the heated "In A Whirl" cut to the core by Braden before DeGreg takes up a quieter linear mode that quickly bursts open for Johnston to lay thick lines that shoot off the melody. A change of rhythm comes in on "Away And Alone" which glows with a Brazilian melody and then it is time for the blues on the aptly titled "Blues On The Beach". Even as he leaves no doubt that he can effectively churn up several idioms in his writing, DeGreg gives valid interpretations to standards. "Prelude To A Kiss" is grooved into the core of emotion as he coaxes a lyrical air with Braden turning in a passionate performance on the soprano. Jim Hall's 'Waltz New" dances sprightly, and swing is the thing when the band has "Love For Sale". The playing is top notch making this an album that, to put it quite simply, is downright endearing."