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Avg: 4.5 (18 ratings)
- Date Released: July 30, 2002
- Genre: Jazz
- Style: Contemporary
- Label: Savant
Moody and playful, this is a career peak from a brilliant bandleader.
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We Say...
Over time my loyalties might return to one of Arthur Blythe's early Columbia albums, but for now this is the one I go to first. Blythe has always delighted in atypical instrumentation, and here he comes up with a configuration so perfect one wonders why it's not the nightclub standard: old friend Bob Stewart on tuba, Gust William Tsilis on the infrequently heard bass marimba, and Cecil Brooks III on drums. Stewart is a serious tuba player, and Tsilis is no mere atmosphere setter. Still, there's something inherently jolly about tubas and something inherently moody about marimbas, and the contrast is one of on Focus’ many selling points.
Another is Brooks, whose drumming holds it all together and then opens it all up. Still another is Blythe himself, expressive without ostentation on a set of blues and ballads, obscure Monk, abstruse funk, new originals and old originals shined up like new. -
They Say...
Altoist Arthur Blythe has always loved to play in unusual instrumental settings. His soulful sound and adventurous style are quite flexible and they sound right at home in this set with Gust William Tsilis on bass marimba, Bob Stewart on tuba, and drummer Cecil Brooks III. The performances are lyrical and often melodic, but searching and unpredictable. Blythe contributed eight of the dozen songs (including "Opus 1," "My Son Ra," and "Bubbles") in addition to digging into "C.C. Rider," Thelonious Monk's obscure "Children's Song," "Stuffy Turkey," and "In a Sentimental Mood." In grooves ranging from New Orleans to R&B-ish, along with freer explorations, this is a continually colorful set of high-quality music.
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You Say...
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| 01. |  |
Opus 1 |
6:52 |  |
| 02. | |
Children's Song |
3:18 | |
| 03. | |
C.C. Rider |
4:58 | |
| 04. | |
Once Again |
2:53 | |
| 05. | |
My Son Ra |
8:09 | |
| 06. | |
Hip Toe |
6:20 | |
| 07. | |
Night Song |
6:50 | |
| 08. | |
Bubbles |
3:16 | |
| 09. | |
Stuffy Turkey |
5:00 | |
| 10. | |
Night Creeper |
5:19 | |
| 11. | |
In A Sentimental Mood |
7:58 | |
| 12. | |
Focus |
1:16 | |
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Credits
- Arthur Blythe - Main Performer // Arthur Blythe - Associate Producer // Cecil Brooks III - Producer // Joe Fields - Executive Producer // Katsuhiko Naito - Engineer // Katsuhiko Naito - Mastering // Bill Milkowski - Liner Notes // R. Andrew Lepley - Photography // Jack Frisch - Art Direction // Jack Frisch - Design
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