Search - Mark Helias :: Desert Blue

Advanced swing from progressive bassist

J. Levinson | Media, PA USA | 01/14/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Nine of Mark Helias originals are performed here and the results are surprisingly funky and swinging for an ostensible avant-gardist. Most of the tunes have solid rhythmic foundations and swing melodically, though in an elliptical manner. Mingus is undoubtedly an influence on Helias' composing. This is far from either traditional swing or contemporary smooth jazz and should intrigue adventurous listeners, though some of it's tricky to dance to. Mark Helias - Bass, Guitar (Bass), Producer, Double Bass
Ray Anderson - Trombone
Anthony Davis - Synthesizer, Piano
Marty Ehrlich - Clarinet, Clarinet (Bass), Sax (Alto), Sax (Tenor)
Jerome Harris - Guitar
Herb Robertson - Trumpet, Cornet
Pheeroan akLaff - Drums"