An Excellent Black Lion Compilation CD
M. Allen Greenbaum | California | 08/28/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a fine compilation of musicians who recorded for Black Lion in the 40's through 70's. As in any sampler, the CD exposes the newcomer to several new artists, as well as offering variety and contrast for the longtime fan. The overall recording sound is very good. The opener features Howard McGhee blowing some Miles-associated tones with excellent swinging drums by Jimmy Cobbs, solid bass support (G. Tucker), and a spirited piano solo by Junior Mance. George Coleman (ts) echoes the cool trumpet tones, but this is McGhee and Cobbs' show. Stephane Grapelli fills the 3 ½ minute "Fine and Dandy"with great invention and movement, and Earl "Fatha" Hines has an unusual solo, mixing modern and older styles. Next up is Miles Davis from 1946, his slightly muted tones still clear and piercing, with a cool style Gene Ammons solo (ts), and Art Blakey growling along with his usual intense playing. Bud Powell seems just slightly off on "Salt Peanuts" (as does Art Tatum on his "Body and Soul"), but Powell alternates some interesting windy passages with his expected quirky, rapid, disjointed riffs. Dexter Gordon's tone on "I Guess I'll Have to Hang My Hat" is both wonderfully full-bodied and, at times, pitched dry like Jackie Maclean. Albert "Tootie" Heath adds intimate brushwork, with more atmospherics from N.H.O. Pederson (b) and Kenny Drew (p). And this is just side one! Side two includes five songs, led respectively by Art Tatum, Lee Konitz, Ben Webster, Grant Green, and Kenny Dorham. The highlights include Konitz's lively and playful "Mean to Me" and Frank Haynes sax work on the Grant Green and Dorham-led numbers. One of the best cuts is Ben Webster's version of "Perdido" (7:15). He gives the bop classic the lush Webster treatment, yet still adheres to the song's boppish roots: He works faster than usual here. A. Riel (drums) is particularly noteworthy here, flashy but not overwhelming, and Kenny Drew and NHOP lend excellent solos. Grant Green (guitar) plays memorably on "One for Elena," though Kenny Dorham could have been better recorded on "Grand Street." Overall, a very fine album, and a great introduction to some important and beautiful sounding musicians. Liner "notes" are limited to recording dates and personnel."