Search - Ray Brown, Ulf Wakenius :: Summertime

Ray Brown and Co Hit The Studio

twinky@start.com.au | Canberra, Australia | 06/17/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This recording, made for Telarc Records in 1998, is the first including Brown's new pianist, Geoff Keezer. Keezer brings another dimension to this group and adds flair whilst increasing the groups depth. He is a very talented young man and in my opinion, replaces Benny Green without any loss what so ever. Guitarist Ulf Wakenius also guests on this recording, producing a fine overall effort.As with all telarc releases, the recording quality is crystal clear and perfectly balanced. The material represented on this disc varies considerably, from "West Coast Blues" to "Honeysuckle Rose". All of the recordings on this release feature the band in top form. Very Rarely will you hear better playing from ANY group in jazz. Take for example, the Milt Jackson tune, "Reunion Blues", this is one of the finist jazz recordings I have EVER heard, with no exceptions! The band swings hard and produces a flattering result on every track. All of the tunes on the disc are standards except for one Brown original, "Cakes Blues", which is taken at mid-tempo.Overall, this disc is yet another great addition to the credit of master bassist, Ray Brown. The addition of Keezer to the group has further strengthened an already strong lineup. In my opinion, this disc falls just short of being classic, primarily due to the inclusion of a couple of tunes that could have been replaced on the final release. These tunes ("It's Only A Paper Moon" and "Topsy") are played brilliantly, but somehow lack the effect of the other selections. This minor complaint should not deter any jazz listener from obtaining this disc. The music represented is of the highest possible standard and comes recommended as part of any jazz library."