eMusic Review 0
Live captures two of pianist Marc Cary's many personae: The spunky-yet-cerebral acoustic hard-bopper who played with Roy Hargrove and Betty Carter. The music director for Abbey Lincoln. The Bitches Brew-influenced electric keyboardist who titled a 2000 disc after the Fender Rhodes. They all make an appearance here. (Less prevalent this time out is the Cary of hip-hop, drum 'n' bass and various Native American and Third World rhythms).
The most compelling acoustic material is a pair of tunes by Cary's mentor and former bandleader, Jackie McLean. On "Minor March," the pianist takes a Tyner-esque tack, phrasing little flurries through the tight space blocked off by his resonant chords. The other McLean song, "Appointment" (shortened from "Appointment In Ghana") has all the Focus Trio members ablaze — even bassist David Ewell, whose woody, near-the-neck thwacks sharply depart from his crucial but understated presence elsewhere. By contrast, Sameer Gupta is a high-profile, beat-melting marvel on tabla and drums, best showcased on the segued songs "Pathway" and "17." Cary imaginatively hop-scotches on the electric instrument, his phrasing and sensibility more Chick Corea than Joe Zawinul. There is also a soulfully languid helping of Les McCann on some cuts… read more »
