Overlooked Gem
Nikica Gilic | 08/16/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album never got the attention it deserved. It garnered some good early reviews but then disappeared. Printup is a fine technician, but more than that he really plays the horn. He thinks about note selection and texture and doesn't just run the changes. Likewise, tenor player Stephen Riley, has a blowzy Ben Webster sound not heard much these days. And Marcus Roberts is always very solid.I think Unveiled is available on the site for about 5 bucks. You can't go wrong."
Soulful jazz
Nikica Gilic | 06/05/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A true gem indeed.
Excellent music, with influences ranging from Wynton Marsalis and Miles Davis to Satchmo (and Earl Hines - listen to Printup's duet with the pianist Marcus Roberts on "M&M"). But, I don't think Printup is an derivative player...
Since the tenorist Stephen Riley (at least on certain songs) also shows excuisit expressivity of tone and abundance of ideas, this is an ideal album for us who don't mind modern jazz but basically relish in the old jazz and its later influences...
In the end, there is even a passionate rendition of "Amazing Grace". Interesting.
I wander did Printup continue to develop in this direction or did he turn electric, avant-guarde or elevator music player somewhere along the line? I hope not.
This soulful jazz album unveils an excellent musician, with great potentials. In additon to fine playing, Printup composed most of the material, but he also plays a songs apiece by Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter and Benny Golson."