Search - Mike Ledonne :: Smokin Out Loud

Mellow Mike in a Swinging Session!

Erik Werkman | Maarssen, The Netherlands | 01/09/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Every Tuesday in a jazzclub called Smoke in Upper West side of Manhattan these four musicians come together to play and have fun: Mike LeDonne - Hammond B3 organ (whose first instrument is the piano), Eric Alexander - tenor sax, Peter Bernstein - guitar, Joe Farnsworth - drums. They are not there to do some weird avantgarde things, but to make it swing! And so does this album, which is the first documented performance of this quartet of musical friends. Recorded by the legendary Rudy van Gelder at his own studio this honest and straightforward music comes through gloriously. The repertoire is nicely varied, with emphasis on uptempo tunes. The inclusion of the pop ballads "Superstar", "Close To You", both made famous by the Carpenters (!) and Earth Wind & Fire's "After The Love Is Gone" is surprising, but they come off very well. The latter two are transformed into uptempo straightahead burners whereas "Superstar" gets a superb treatment, with a particularly impressive long solo by Mike LeDonne, who shows that he is much more than an occasional organ player. All in all, this album is a good representation of their weekly smokin' Smoke gigs and recommended to anyone who likes uncomplicated swingin' jazz. Fans of the wonderful tenor sax sound of Eric Alexander should definitely add this one to their collection."