Search - Junior Mance :: Groovin' With Junior

Soul-Stirring, Satisfying Jazz Piano Trio

John Tapscott | Canada | 05/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Junior Mance is a master jazz pianist. He does not dazzle his audience with overwhelming technique, but satisfies listeners with a personal melding of bop, swing and blues.



"Groovin' With Junior", recorded in a Toronto studio in 2006 before an invited audience, is a wonderful example of Junior Mance's approach to the jazz piano trio. Mance's gifts are fully on display here as he swings cheerfully on "Falling In Love,"and swings even harder on "For Dancers Only". The latter is one of the session's highlights as Junior Mance builds and builds his solo to an exciting climax. Mance moves thoughtfully and purposefully through "Ask Me Now" and "Stormy Weather"; digs mightily into the blues on "Blues for the Bistro" and "Bags Groove"; and bops on Miles Davis' "The Theme." Junior Mance fully maintains the listener's attention throughout each lengthy track.



Mance is expertly accompanied and shaded by Don Thompson on bass and Archie Alleyne on drums. They know exactly how to play with and behind the pianist, turning up the heat and keeping it soft at all the right moments. The excellent recording quality highlights the close interaction of the three musicians. Thompson's deep-rooted and superbly recorded bass lines are a particular delight.



"Groovin' With Junior" is a soul-stirring album by a masterful pianist and represents a high point in Junior's Mance's association with Sackville recordings. This 65 minute CD is highly recommended to all who love swinging jazz piano deeply imbued with the blues."