This Is Jazz: Live At The Blue Note

DONALD HARRISON: This is Jazz: Live at the Blue Note
Half Note, 2011

STRAIGHTAHEAD JAZZ – This is the third trio recording by alto saxophonist Harrison, bass legend Ron Carter and drum master Billy Cobham. It’s live, with a spontaneous feel, even raw at times. Harrison gets very loose with long, elastic solos that stretch like pulled taffy. Cobham swings like mad, bashing lightly while Carter holds it all down with his laser-precise walking lines.

All good. Fo’s Picks: 1, 2, 5

1. 9:30 – uptempo burn: intro hops, sax lines stretch & wobble, bass perfection
2. 9:53 – a bluesy walk, but with a buoyant feel from the drums, relaxed solos
3. 5:39 – bass solo on a classic folksong, virtuosic and inventive
4. 11:20 – Miles Davis tune: light on its feet, trio rolls with a steady swing
5. 8:54 – relaxed sax showcase: sweet and soulful, surprise bossa nova break
6. 10:54 – funky New Orleans: sax gets jumpy, bass lays back, drums strut

[ Fo ] - August 2011