Search - Herbie Mann :: The Evolution of Mann: The Herbie Mann Anthology

Great Bossa, Soul, African, Pop, Reggae, Rock, Fusion Flute

Glenn R. Ellison | Pembroke Pines, Florida United States | 06/06/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"All right kids, if you want an overview of how a wide range of different styles can swing on the flute, look no further. Herbie Mann is by far the most swingin', get down and groove flutist to come down the pike. Speaking of pikes, listen to the third cut of disk one. It features vibraphonist Dave Pike. You can hear his moans as he solos. The tune was written by the bassist, Ben Tucker. He begins with a bass line that immediately sets one's toes a tappin'. This is one of Herbie's signature tunes, the other being "Memphis Underground" which is featured later on. The next tune "One Note Samba" is from what, in my opinion, is one of Herbie's best recordings, "Herbie Mann & Joao Gilberto with Antonio Carlos Jobim." However, the accompanying book gives credit to the recording "Do The Bossa Nova With Herbie Mann." I'm sure this is correct and the tune appears on both albums. Herbie is not given nearly enough credit for his contribution of bringing over this great music from Brasil. "Blues Walk" is a fun, quick-paced jazz romp. It's followed by "Gymnopedie" which Herbie recorded with the famous Bill Evans trio. Disk Two begins with one of Herbie's most beautiful tunes "Yesterday's Kisses." He is heard playing the longer, wider in diameter thus, warmer sounding alto flute. If you ever need to calm down or just want to listen to a gorgeous piece of music, put this on. "Push Push" is the title cut from another of Herbie's best recordings. It features the soulfull Richard Tee on piano and what would turn out to be Duane Allman's last recordings. "Hold I'm Comin'" is the only live cut. It was recorded at the 1972 New York Jazz Festival. During this period Herbie called his group "The Family of Mann." The band consisted of sax/flutist David "Fathead" Newman, and Pat Rebillot on keyboards (also featured on the "Reggae" album). The late abstract rock guitaritst Sonny Sharrock is along as well. "Mellow Yellow" gets a fun interpretation here by Herbie and world famous French violinist Stephane Grapelli. "Draw Your Breaks" by Jimmy Cliff is from Herbie's "Surprises featuring Cissy Houston" album. Does that name sound familiar? It should, as she is Whitney's mother. All in all this is a great double CD. The depth of variety ensures that there will be something for just about everybody. I hope you'll get this and enjoy the music of Herbie Mann."