Search - Tom Harrell :: Form

Post-Bop Serendipity and Synergy

S. Mar | Taipei, Taiwan | 01/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the course of exploring further into any form of music, we all come across CDs that have the right mix of musicians, who play a perfect set that makes us wonder, "Why isn't that album lauded, rather than being obscure?". This is such a CD. From my perspective, other jazz albums that would fall into this category include Stanley Turrentine "Sugar", the first Bill Evans/Tony Bennett album, Joe Locke/Frank Kimbrough "Saturn's Child", and Lee Morgan "Sidewinder", to name only a few.



The stellar lineup on "Form" includes Harrell, Joe Lovano, Danilo Perez, Charlie Haden, and Paul Motion, who have all since spun-off, leading their own groups into new esoteric orbits. However, here the playing is post-bop, contemporary jazz, and the music is still relevant. The recording is excellent, with each of the musicians given enough room to solo, as well as play as an ensemble. Tom Harrell's horn playing ties it all together and is spot on - but then most of his music is. Highly recommended."