Search - Ronnie Mathews :: Dark Before the Dawn

Get this NOW before it's gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

C. Katz | Peoples Republic Of Massachussettes | 01/27/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wrote a review of another Ronnie Mathews Cd and was really disappointed.Since I thought I dug this guy who played in 50's with Hubbard and Roy Haynes,did a stint with Art Blakey's Hard Bop Boot Camp.and latter worked with Clifford Jordan and T.S.Monk's band I got this.WOW!!!!!

Everything that wasn't working on other CD was hear.Perfect intonation,and incredible left hand,everything just joyous.That Ray Drummond and Mr.Billy Higgins were co-pilots made sure it was a smooth overall flight.Not often played standards but his self penned title track is great and his treatment of "The Theme From M.A.S.H" is truly revelatory about his ideas and technique and given a faster tempo than you would expect.He really liked the tune and recoded it before but this one is great.If you dig solid playing in the Walton/Barron vein this is just a gem.it's sad he has passed but my tip is to search his work out as a leader as well as a sideman.Not a household name but in the music world among his peers if not peerless he was up to the gig with anyone out there and musicians knew it.Wish I had gotten to see him live but this is a great document and though many are getting to find and $$$ this is and example of a definite keeper.Try to visit jazz foundation of America and help.They are there for our heroes in hard times in a slice of the music which is peerless in passion but small in numbers and many musicians who gave so much might need help.

Cheers

Chazz"