Jazz / Neo-Bop, Post-Bop, Hard Bop
Cecil Brooks III - Drums, Producer
Alfred Silvera Photography
Antonio Hart Sax (Alto)
Gene Kalbacher Liner Notes
Hal Wilson Design
Jack Walrath Trumpet
Lonnie Plaxico Bass
Malcolm Addey Engineer
Ravi Coltrane Sax (Tenor)
Stephen Scott Piano
This live set from Trumpets in Montclair, NJ, features spirited hard bop by drummer Cecil Brooks III's talented group of top-notch straight-ahead players. "Fried Bananas" swings hard, Brooks' "Montclair" is the most impressive of the originals, trumpeter Jack Walrath (in excellent form throughout) is showcased on "Everything Happens to Me," and his "Natural Selection" has some group improvising à la Charles Mingus. Although nothing all that innovative occurs during this set, the music is of consistently high quality, with many fine solos from Walrath, tenor saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, altoist Antonio Hart, and pianist Stephen Scott; bassist Lonnie Plaxico and drummer Brooks are excellent in support. Easily recommended to straight-ahead jazz collectors although this Muse CD will be difficult to find. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Cecil Brooks III
Active Decades: '80s, '90s and '00s
Born: 1961
Genre: Jazz
Styles: Neo-Bop, Post-Bop, Hard Bop
A contemporary drummer and aggressive, polyrhythmic stylist, Cecil Brooks, III has worked in the New York area with such musicians as Greg Osby, Geri Allen and Lonnie Plaxico. He recorded his debut album as a leader for Muse in 1989, subsequently releasing efforts including 1990's Hangin' with Smooth, 1993's Neck Peckin' Jammie and 2000's Our Mister Brooks in addition to session work in both a hard bop and bebop setting. The intimate setting of Live at Sweet Basil was issued in early 2001.
---Ron Wynn, All Music Guide |
