DESCRIPTION:
In the spirit of continuity and tradition, producers Richard Seidel and Don Sickler gathered the pick of the litter for a convocation over the still-warm remains of Charlie Parker, the most vital, visionary figure in 20th Century music. What makes PARKER'S MOOD so special, and so refreshingly different from your typical Bird blowing session, is the sense of intimacy and interchange, as trumpeter, bassist and pianist take on these complex rhythms and melodies, gathered in a circle, live to two-track, without the aid of a drummer. As a result, PARKER'S MOOD is full of surprises. Not the least of which is the recorded sound, which is resoundingly deep and full of detail, with a real sense of air and space. Much of the credit must go to McBride, whose enormous beat ("Marmaduke"), witty arco work ("Steeplechase") and thundering blues drive ("Red Cross"), and authentic downhome funk ("Star Eyes") are as close to an ideal acoustic bass sound as this generation of players has yet produced. The taciturn, reticent qualities which distinguish Stephen Scott's piano playing, make him and ideal partner in these proceedings. On "Laura" his serene, bell-like chords frame Hargrove's taut delivery of the melody in dreamy shades of turquoise and green, and his solo makes thoughtful use of space and dynamic contrasts to bring home the point--sweet and romantic without blubbering all over the chords. And check out his solo on "Bongo Bop"--the brother can swing. And Hargrove, always known for his chops, seems to find a new gravity in Bird's intricate melodies, from the muted joy of "Dexterity" through the dancing whimsy of "Chasin' The Bird." Recorded at Effanel Music Studio, New York, New York from April 12-14, 1995. Includes liner notes by Bret Primack and Jim Anderson. Full performer name: The Roy Hargrove/Christian McBride/Stephen Scott Trio. Personnel: Roy Hargrove (trumpet, flugelhorn); Stephen Scott (piano); Christian McBride (bass). Tributee: Charlie Parker . Personnel: Roy Hargrove (trumpet, flugelhorn); Stephen Scott (piano). Liner Note Authors: Bret Primack; Jim Anderson . Recording information: Effanel Music Studio, New York, NY (04/12/1995-04/14/1995). Photographers: Herman Leonard; Jimmy Katz. Down Beat (11/95, p.40) - 4 Stars - Very Good - "...stresses grace; the winsome phrasing...generates a refined atmosphere that borders on chamber music....the trio casts the music's tensile passages in an aura of luxuriousness. Crazed expeditiousness is eventually smoothed out, like a fist working a worry stone to eleviate pressure..."