Search - Herlin Riley, Wynton Marsalis :: Cream of the Crescent

A truly enjoyable set

Rick loves jazz | Sacramento, Ca | 04/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I hadn't heard of Herlin Riley until I heard "To Those We Love So Dearly" on the radio. I couldn't get it out of my head! I had to have the album.



There are several noteworth things about this set. First, there is terrific variety. There are three horns (Wynton Marsalis, Victor Goines on reeds, and the awesome Wycliffe Gordon on trombone), and Riley uses them in different combinations on different tracks. The tunes are also in different styles ("Need Ja Help" has an "old time" feel; "Ti Ci Li" is vaguley "Monk-ish", and "To Those We Love So Dearly" is a sad but beautiful dirge).



Second, Herlin Riley is really an outstanding drummer. He realizes that the tune isn't just about him, yet does so many different things on drums that it takes several hearings to sort them all out.



Third, these are all originals that are really origanals.



In my opinion, however, Wycliffe Gordon steals this album. He plays the gamut - from growling through a cup mute on "Need Ja Help" to playing so beautifully in the upper register in "To Those We Love" that I thought it was a fluegelhorn the first time that I heard it.



These are musicians who play with great love, beauty and creativity and they deserve a careful listening, as well as the support of those of us who love jazz."

Incredible original compositions

Anthony K. Danso | USA | 09/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'am lost for words to describe this CD. Excellent original compositions, without any re-arrangemnent of jazz standard.

I honestly rank Herlin Riley in the top 5 world's greatest jazz drummers. I lookforward to his visit to Boston and his next release."

5 stars are not enough

A. London Arrington | 09/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Good Brother Riley has a great spirit and that spirit shines through on this CD!!! He's one of the BEST in the world!!! You can actually hear musical notes when he plays!! Recognize a living legend!!! A. London Arrington"