Search - Rodney Whitaker :: Yesterday, Today and Tommorrow

Rodney Whitaker's best ever

Monte Butts | New Albany, MS USA | 08/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With every recording, the bassist from the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra gets better. Often on recordings led by a bassist, the songs are little more than blowing vehicles by the leader. Not so here; to the contrary, Rodney shows considerable compositional skills and provides some great songs for his LCJO associates to play. Often overlooked for bassists like Christian McBride and Dave Holland, Rodney has a huge sound and great feel that propels the band without dominating his bandmates. Victor Goines is superb on this recording as well; his bass clarinet is especially stellar, showing the great potential of this instrument usually found in the hands of wailers like Eric Dolphy or David Murray. Farid Barron is fast becoming a bright star shining among new pianists like Eric Reed in Brad Mehldau. Herlin Riley's great New Orleans style on the drum really compliment Barron's laid-back style. The bonus track of Tetragon, used to loosen up for the session shows off the great interplay between these guys. What else can I say; not a bad track on this recording. Guest appearances by Wycliff Gordon, Wynton Marsalis, and Diane Reeves don't hurt either. Pick this one up while it's still available!Monte"