Search - Don Thompson :: Wintermist

Very Good Quartet Offering Led By Vibist Don Thompson

Robert J. Ament | Ballwin, MO United States | 10/26/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Actually, I've heard Don Thompson before on other cds I own but he's always been on piano, bass or drums. Well, he can play vibes flawlessly also as can be quickly verified by listening to him perform on "Alone Together".



Two of my favorite vibists, Milt Jackson and Cal Tjader, have long since departed and since a quartet lends itself so well to the pleasing sound of this instrument, I'll always give a listen.This offering is fifteen years old having been recorded in a club date in Toronto, Canada. Besides Don Thompson's vibes heard throughout the set, there is very capable support and interchanges with Reg Schwager on guitar, bassist Pat Collins and drummer Barry Elmes.



It's a varied program of five originals and four standards led off by a modal composition, which I'm not normally that fond of......but this one seems to work rather well possibly because of this group and the manner that they mesh together.



"Ruby" follows, a very pretty rendition taken from a late '40s movie,"Ruby Gentry". I seem to remember the song having a lot of success some years ago.



"Alone Together" gets a good workout by all and Don Thompson really shines on this.



The title song follows next and is best described by George Shearing in the liner notes as " a lovely piece of jazz impressionism" ....and who would dispute George?



Guitarist Reg Schwager's haunting but pretty composition, "Hannako", is next displaying some interesting rhythm blends.



"Moon Walk" is another piece of jazz impressionism which allows a lot of freedom from time signature and the melody.



"Whats News" is a quietly fast mover based on chord changes to "What's New" (What else!!?).



"Never Let Me Go" is a personal favorite and a beautiful ballad that I first heard as a 1956 recording by Nat Cole.



Thelonious Monk's "Blue Monk" rounds out the whole set as the closer.



If you enjoy vibes and guitar in a quartet, or just some mellow post-bop sounds, you will probably appreciate this recording."