Search - David Pike, Cedar Walton :: Pike's Groove

This groove swings

Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 08/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dave Pike is an excellent hard bop vibes player, the one who comes closest to following in the footsteps of Milt Jackson. On this CD he leans toward the standard bop repertoire (BIG FOOT, ORNITHOLOGY, CON ALMA, BIRK'S WORKS), which he performs to perfection. Cedar Walton is on piano (David Williams is on bass, Billy Higgins, drums) and his playing totally complements Pike's. One mannerism in Pike's playing, however, that I wish he could eliminate is his incessant "singing" along with his playing: it's a boring monotone that really intrudes on his playing. But this is Pike's most satisfying CD and should bring enjoyment to hard bop fans, especially those who love the vibes.

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