Search - Spike Robinson, George Masso :: Play Arlen

Three for your money.

Samuel Chell | Kenosha,, WI United States | 01/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After recently discovering Spike Robinson, a hometown hero (at least he should be), I've made it a point to collect just about everything by him, including some albums that have been on the bland and predictable side. Often the addition of a trombone player can be a drag on the session (Curtis Fuller's presence adds little to a Coltrane or Blakey date, imo), and I had rather low expectations of yet another obscure recording by Spike, joined this time by an unfamiliar trombonist.



Well, blow me down. This guy, George Masso, is simply a master--combining the best of Dicky Wells, Al Grey, and Bill Harris in a uniquely expressive style that's all his own. He can make the instrument bark and talk, then serenade you with tenderness, all on the same solo! He "owns" straightforward chord changes ("Taking a Chance") and meets the challenge of the trickier ones ("Shining Hour"), almost seeming to enjoy getting in a little bit of trouble to impress you with his ability to work his way out.



His presence is additionally a plus for Spike, who is inspired to submit some of his best playing of the '90s, producing the non-stop linear phrases of his best work elsewhere (the Harry Warren tribute album is also a winner, but forget the Gershwin date)."

A Marginal Miss for Masso

Jo Gibbs | Australia | 07/02/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"While any Masso is better than no Masso, this Masso is not in the same class as 'The Wonderful World of George Gershwin' or 'C'est Magnifique'. But then, that would be a tall order indeed. For Masso fans, 'Play Arlen' is still one for the CD rack - to be played when you just can't get enough of the man."