Search - Hank Crawford :: After Dark

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Melissa | Puerto Rico | 09/16/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hank Crawford's preferred nucleus of a band is back for another solid performance. Melvin Sparks and Bernard Purdie (guitar and drums) can be counted on to deliver solid performances, and they do. The group is rounded out by Danny Mixon (Piano and Organ) and Stanley Banks and Wilbur Bascomb sharing bass responsibilities. The tunes are roughly the same mix of standards and originals as on previous recordings. "My Babe", first recorded by blues harmonica virtuoso Little Walter Jacobs, and "Share Your Love with Me" show Mr. Crawford's ability to accomplish much with few notes. "Git it" shows how funky the band can get. An uptempo, shufflin' "T'Aint Nobody's Business if I Do" is a nice surprise-the groove is very relaxed but energetic. "That's All" should be required listening for many of today's "superstar" blues guitarists who would rather go down in a blaze of notes than LISTEN. Melvin Sparks should have his own album! In short, this is a consistent, satisfying album. Hank Crawford sounds as good as he ever has. I doubt there are too many alto players who have a tone as instantly recognizable and satisfying as he does."