Search - Tina Brooks :: Back to the Tracks

Tina's best

Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 03/28/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is my favorite of Tina Brooks's issued Blue Note CDs, though his others are not too far behind; all are very good. The title track, written by Brooks, is an excellent tune, a 24-bar blues, taken medium-up. "For heaven's sake" is a pretty ballad where everyone displays their musical skills. Blue Mitchell is on trumpet and he and Brooks weave their lyrical magic well together. A solid date."

Incomparable!

H. Pakker | The Netherlands | 03/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although less than 40 minutes, this covers his best playing. His highly individual dynamic tone and R&B background are his trademarks. He is completely in charge as a leader, but leaves his companions enough space to excel. Mitchell is in topshape, as is Chambers (who is playing with a strong drive and articulation).

Strong compositions of Brooks (4 out of 5), with Street Singer as the best one IMO.

However, Brooks' playing on Street Singer is not as good as on the other tracks. It was taken from an earlier session with Jackie McLean added.

I wasn''t impressed by Brooks with Kenny Burrel but True Blue is excellent too. Still I prefer Back to the Tracks. Five stars without hesitation...get it!"

Blues Cry From A Jazz Soul

Wayne Dawson | New Zealand | 09/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back to the Tracks is part of the Brooks canon of Open Sesame and True Blue that shows this remarkable artist at his resilient best.



The title track kicks off with a short, clipped phrase that swings tremendously; trumpeter Blue Mitchell's pithy sound combining beautifully with Brooks lean and tensile lines. Personally, even more so than the Horace Silver sessions, I find this one the best for showcasing the sound and style of Mitchell's playing. With longer tracks and more solo space to fill, Mitchell proves just how solid he can be when stretching out.



On Street Singer, Jackie MacLean joins tenor and trumpet on alto sax and Brooks shows with this composition how simplicity can produce great beauty and strength.



The Ruby and the Pearl is another gem from the Brooks pen that has a fabulous exotic harmony to the head; Mitchell and Brooks nail it to the mast in a gorgeous fade out that concludes a knock out disk supported all the way by a rhythm section tight and driving.



Back to the Tracks adds further weight to the accolades of the Tina Brooks legacy. His compositional brilliance and lean, melodic style of playing, often punctuated by parched, bluesy wails, inspired many of his peers.



His was an unimpeachable talent that ended in sadness and anonymity.

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