Search - Herbie Mann :: Peace Pieces

Beautiful, the jazz flute at its best...

William E. Adams | Midland, Texas USA | 04/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mr. Mann has been making improvised flute records for 40 or 50 years, so of course he knows what he's doing. The late jazz pianist Bill Evans was a kind of genius at composing in addition to playing, and Herbie brings out that side of Bill in this wonderful CD. No piano on here at all, a wise choice since no one could play it like Bill. In addition to Herbie's flutes we get guitar, drums, the bass played by Eddie Gomez (who played with Evans in the 60's and 70's)and a bit of flugelhorn. This disc was partially recorded in Santa Fe, where Herbie Mann now lives, and released by that city's Kokopelli Records. That means the CD probably has not sold many copies since its 1995 release, which is a great shame. It is fun, fun, fun, done with superb craftsmanship, and only in passing, a "tribute" album. Don't buy it because it memorializes Evans, who certainly deserves the honor. Buy it because this is lively, lovely, vital jazz from skilled artists and a caring company. Even the booklet is good!"