Search - John Handy :: New View

A voice too infrequently heard

Tyler Smith | Denver, CO United States | 05/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Handy issued a great run of records on Columbia during the '60s, of which "New View!" is a distinguished member. Coming on the heels of his famous performance an Montreux (which also resulted in a must-have release), "New View!" features a revamped lineup that includes vibist Bobby Hutcherson and guitarist Pat Martino.The result is a stimulating session of three tunes, each one offering a distinct mood and sound. Handy transforms Coltrane's standard, "Naima" into an alto flowering of lush beauty. It's a wonderful tribute to Coltrane and his composition, which is one of his most affecting. "A Little Quiet" is a gently swinging bossa nova, which features a fine, flowing solo from Hutcherson. The relaxed mood of the release is abruptly broken with the powerful "Tears of Ole Miss," a 23-minute musical lament for the unhappy racial disharmony endured by the citizens of that state throughout the '50s and '60s. Handy and his band capture the turmoil of the civil rights movement and the resistance to it throughout the course of this exciting performance, which includes a patch of bitter and effective satire in which Handy blows a mocking chorus of "Dixie." In duration and power, "Tears of Ole Miss" rivals Mingus's best performances of "Fables of Faubus," another satirical attack on Southern racial politics.Handy has had an enigmatic career, one which has featured stretches of silence and mediocre releases. However, he remains a vital jazz voice, as those who have seen him in performance can attest. The series of Columbia releases that includes "New View!" includes some of the best jazz from the '60s. "New View!" is an essential part of that group of releases."

Naima alone is worth the price of admission!

screenwriter@unforgettable.com | Purdue (West Lafayette, Indiana) | 01/04/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I knew Coltrane's Naima from it's infancy. It was the treat of the Giant Steps album. (On the reissue there is an alternate take which shows the soon-to-be Trane explorations that are possible for the piece. Check it out!) Later Dolphy and Trane speak about Naima (I found it on a bootleg recorded CD); then Sanders sings Naima so sweetly I'm still reduced to tears by his contribution (Live at the Vangard Again). Everybody's spoken about Naima since, from Johnny Mac's guitar to Santana's. Through it all, perhaps the Coltrane aggregations included, nobody has spoken about Naima like John Handy. No he's not playing on an electric sax! Yes Handy's Naima floats like a memory recalled then savored. Yes Handy's Naima is an essence transformed into the also effemeral substance of sound. Yes Naima is one BAD SISTER in Handy's hands, in Handy's mouth, in Handy's heart. This piece alone is worth the price of admission. And the rest of the CD is great too. Hold your calls; Lay back; Pump up the volume; Check it out. You won't be sorry."