Another Gem by Harrell and Killer Band
Scott Williams | Oakland, CA United States | 04/12/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Overview:
Roman Nights is the 3rd release by Tom Harrell and his killer band (Danny Grissett on piano and Fender Rhodes, Wayne Escoffery tenor sax, Jonathan Blake drums, Ugonna Okegwo bass, and of course Harrell on trumpet). Roman Nights features the same lineup as the Harrell's recent classics "Light On", and "Prana Dance". This band is arguably the best in jazz today. Some people might be saying, "What? I haven't heard of most of these guys", but what band since 2007 has put out 3 better albums? While Grissett is quickly becoming a household name after after his stellar work with Harrell and Jeremy Pelt, the rest of the band is still somewhat unknown. However, don't let that discourage you from buying this CD. The entire band is top notch and it is just a matter of time before Escoffery busts out and becomes a star. The style of the CD is very similar to the last two recordings (Prana Dance, Light On). This recording is better than "Light On" and just as good as "Prana Dance", which is probably the best of the 3 recordings if I had to choose. Once again the music is groove based and Grissett splits time on acoustic piano and the Fendor Rhodes. The tunes once again feature both catchy melodies and crafty harmony. Grissett, Harrell, and Escoffery once again fill the album with fantastic solos. Two things differentiate this CD from the past two releases by this band. This album features Blake and Okegwo more than the last two albums, and this CD includes a ballad duet featuring Grissett and Harrell.
Song Highlights:
Bird in Flight: This tune is built around a section that features repetitive rhythmic stop and go two chord progression and some melodic interludes that join these sections. The piece features a number of fine solos, starting with one by Escoffery, followed by Harrell, then there is a nice section that features the drumming of Blake. Grissett provides great support during this solo, starting with a nice chord progression that ultimately leads back to the repetitive two chord stop and go structure and Blake fills in the space between the chords with rapid drum line fills. Ultimately the band comes back in and seamlessly they are back to the start of the song.
Storm Approaching: This tune kind of has an early, mid 50's bebop feel to it. The band and drummer Blake trade off with the melody line and drum fills by Blake. This segues nicely into a Harrell solo with great piano support by Grissett. Escoffery follows up with a blistering solo that leads into a pretty and reflective piano solo by Grissett. For some reason this tune reminds me of Tad Dameron.
Roman Nights: This is a real pretty ballad that features a duet between pianist Grissett and trumpeter Harrell. What makes this album so great is the incredible chemistry between Harrell and Grissett. It's real nice to hear a tune that focuses on the core of what make this group so great. Both Grissett and Harrell have about as a pretty a sound as you can get out of their instruments. Combined its just beautiful. This tune reminds me of Grissett's "Distant" from his 2009 release "Form" which features a duet with him and trombonist Steve Davis.
Roman Nights receives my highest recommendation.
"
Tom's Suite
Mohammad Halabi | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | 03/25/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tom Harrell's third release on HighNote feels like a suite. One thread joins all the tracks together to deliver one story narrated by one sound. Thanks Tom for sharing your beautiful stories."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1