Hank & Frank

They Say...

Review by Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

In a tribute to Count Basie, ex-Basie tenor saxophonist Foster and Columbus, Ohio based organist Marr wend their way through 11 titles that peripherally have something to do with Basie. It's the ease of their swing, the simple melodies and direct approach that has to do with The Count, and the way these veterans tackle a few standards and their own originals, never forcing the issue. The underrated guitarist Cal Collins and drummer Jim Rupp provide rhythmic support. Of the seven Marr originals, the best is saved for last, the upbeat "Rhtyhmesque," where the band is on fire and Foster's blues tinged boppish tenor jumps and jives. The turnaround on "April In Paris" called "Paris In April" is in the same key, Marr assimilating Wild Bill Davis's searing style, Foster tart sweet, as he is on most of the date. "Your Basic Gospel Tune," inspired by Horace Silver, is like a mix of "Groove Merchant" and "Red Top," Foster sounding happy and in tune with Marr's soulful, easy swinging. "Basie-cally Speaking" is based on "Whirly Bird," "I'm Saving All My Hugs For You," inspired by "Lil' Darlin'." Foster contributed the lone "Katherine The Great" for a discriminating fan in NYC, another easy swinger with the organ at the end quoting "Who's Got The Last Laugh Now." Also included is the evergreen "Just A Closer Walk With Thee," where Marr uses a more church oriented sound on one of his organ keyboards, a more burning approach on the other, quite like Jimmy Smith. "If I Had You" without Foster is the lone feature for Collins, a ballad treatment where the guitar states the theme and extrapolates upon it, the organist does the same, then they both pine together. This is one of those recordings that sounds just fine, but begs for a follow-up. Foster's never played with any organist, and Marr seems to be the perfect foil.