It may sound like a platitude, but if Roy Haynes is on the date, you can almost be sure the album is a winner. From his classic 1962 album, Out of the Afternoon, to 1998's diverse Praise, Haynes has set touchstones that mo... more »st jazz musicians can only aspire to. His drumming remains remarkably contemporary, consistent, virtuosic, and forward-thinking. A bristling snap permeates this all-standards outing with pianist Danilo Perez and bassist John Patitucci. Recorded both in the studio and live at Scullers in Boston, Haynes (with Perez's exceptionally elastic commentary) is in constant conversation--juggling the time, dancing with the beat, creating rhythmic waves when needed, or simply playing graceful, immaculate swing time. Bud Powell's "Wail," Pat Metheny's "Question and Answer," Miles Davis's "Sippin at Bells," Thelonious Monk's "Green Chimneys," and a chunky Latin take on Chick Corea's "Folk Song" are a few of the high points. Another is Rodgers & Hart's "It's Easy to Remember," which features Haynes on brushes, a nearly lost drumming art here performed masterfully. Around Perez's generous reading, Haynes creates atmospheric density and majestic riffing with slaps, stabs, smoky accents, and space. --Ken Micallef« less
It may sound like a platitude, but if Roy Haynes is on the date, you can almost be sure the album is a winner. From his classic 1962 album, Out of the Afternoon, to 1998's diverse Praise, Haynes has set touchstones that most jazz musicians can only aspire to. His drumming remains remarkably contemporary, consistent, virtuosic, and forward-thinking. A bristling snap permeates this all-standards outing with pianist Danilo Perez and bassist John Patitucci. Recorded both in the studio and live at Scullers in Boston, Haynes (with Perez's exceptionally elastic commentary) is in constant conversation--juggling the time, dancing with the beat, creating rhythmic waves when needed, or simply playing graceful, immaculate swing time. Bud Powell's "Wail," Pat Metheny's "Question and Answer," Miles Davis's "Sippin at Bells," Thelonious Monk's "Green Chimneys," and a chunky Latin take on Chick Corea's "Folk Song" are a few of the high points. Another is Rodgers & Hart's "It's Easy to Remember," which features Haynes on brushes, a nearly lost drumming art here performed masterfully. Around Perez's generous reading, Haynes creates atmospheric density and majestic riffing with slaps, stabs, smoky accents, and space. --Ken Micallef
Micah Newman | Fort Worth, TX United States | 05/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My introduction to Roy came with Pat Metheny's trio record _Question and Answer_. I was immediately taken with his drumming on that record, and knew I had to seek out some more. This one gathered dust on my Wish List for way too long before I finally got around to picking it up, which is too bad. Here, the incredible dynamic tension of Roy's drumming is matched up with the Latin-tinged piano stylings of Danilo Perez, and virtuoso bass god John Patitucci. The results are absolutely ELECTRIC.Part of what's great about this CD is that the songs represent kind of a sampling of the different artists Roy has played with over the years, starting with Bud Powell, through Birth of the Cool era Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Sarah Vaughn and Chick Corea, to name a few. Roy has played with just about everybody, and at 70+ years, he's still tearing it up with the best of them.I just have to shake my head in disbelief at the review a few reviews down that calls this album "really boring", because that's precisely the LAST thing I would call it. Just the playing itself is utterly fantastic, and the arrangements are very exciting too. Perez's interpretations of Monk tunes are particularly invigorating. What jazz pianist, no matter what persuasion, hasn't covered Monk tunes, if not done an entire tribute album to him? These guys know their roots and pay tribute to them with energy, vigor, and incomparable musicianship. You just can't pass up this CD."
Snap, crackle, pop
Jonathan Mayhew | Lawrence, KS USA | 08/28/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This music has a lot of historical depth, reflecting Roy Haynes' long career and multiple associations. There are songs dedicated to (or written by) Sarah Vaughn, Chick Corea, Thelonius Monk... The drums are front and center: I love Haynes' popping snare drum sound and his unusual rhythmic conceptions. Perhaps if I weren't a drummer I would have given the album 4 stars instead of 5, but as it is I have to give it its due."
An ensemble with class
Jeff Carsten | Charlotte, NC USA | 06/01/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"What can you say about a piano trio led by the drummer? Well, be prepared to have the drums up front and active. This is a difficult act to pull off; the key to success is in the quality of the players and the maturity of their relationship. In the case of the Roy Haynes trio, everything comes together nicely. Yes, there is a lot of drumming in this album, but it's not a drummer's album. The balance between the instruments is different than in most piano trios, and it's the bass player that gives away the secret to their success; this is ensemble playing where all three players are wonderfully talented, and interact with respect for the totality of the product. Danilo Parez plays piano with a great deal of inventiveness, and a completeness of phrasing that is reminiscent of Bill Evans. He has lots to say. Bassist John Patitucci has technical proficiency, experience, a wonderful sense of rhythm, and a good deal of style. And Roy Haynes is one of the best. He is restrained, and doesn't dominate the ensemble, but his position is different than in most piano trios, because < after all < it is his act. But the man has class, and a maturity of style that includes discretion in the mix with technique and leadership. Compositions are fairly mainstream, with titles by Miles, Monk, and Bud Powell. The first half of the album is a studio session, the second half is live. Both are excellent."
Sumptious blend of style
Aubrey Harris | Washington DC | 05/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Three musicians, three styles, three sounds, one great album. This is what it is all about, talented folks joining together for the love music. To our benifit they just so happened to create one incredible sound. B-bop, latin and a little swing all create a playful yet pensive hour of happiness."