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- Date Released: June 16, 2009
- Genre: Jazz
- Style: Swing
- Label: Origin Records / IODA
Broom takes another step forward with an adroit collection of Monk covers
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We Say...
Trapped in a fusion funk early in his career and assaying smart, credible renditions of '60s and '70s pop tunes on subsequent discs, guitarist Bobby Broom really hit his stride revisiting songs from this period on an intimate live trio recording in 2008. Best known for his membership in Sonny Rollins' ensemble, Broom takes yet another step forward with this adroit collection of Monk covers.
Working once again with his longtime trio, Broom puts his quiet chops (think Wes Montgomery and George Benson) to good use, tagging his delicate phrases on "Ask Me Now" with a yearn and sigh, capturing the fragility in the melody of "Ruby My Dear," drawing out lines on "Reflections" that are as precious and detailed as fine china. No one can play Monk without addressing his angular, elliptical sensibility, and Broom impressively weighs in with some sketch-stroke chords that paint the corners of "Evidence" while Dennis Carroll's bass broods and drummer Kobie Watkins provides the punctuation. (Watkins also shines on the trio's jaunty version of "In Walked Bud.") "Work" is the thorniest arrangement, rescued from meandering by Carroll's strong, curt solo, followed by a rendition of "Rhythm-a-ning," with Broom fuzzing up the chorus, that's as fleet and linear as "Work" is circular and ambivalent. "Bemsha Swing" is another charmer, with the trio ensconced in confident communication that expands their sense of adventure without disrupting the song's integrity.
In closing, one quibble: Broom says he included "Lulu's Back In Town" and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," because he "associates them" with Monk. But we don't, and their awkward integration on this collection doesn't change our minds. -
They Say...
How to play the compositions of Thelonious Monk is always a slightly awkward question, even -- maybe especially -- for those musicians who love and admire him the most. His apparently awkward piano style was so much a part of his strangely convoluted and rhythmically challenging compositions that to play his music in what seems like a faithful and respectful style is to run the risk of sounding like a parodic imitator. Guitarist Bobby Broom is at less of a disadvantage than his piano-playing colleagues in this regard, because of the distance automatically granted him by his instrument. He makes sly reference to this fact on the cover of this delightful album, which is designed to mimic the cover art of Monk's classic album Monk's Music -- except instead of Monk himself sitting in the little red wagon, it's Broom's guitar. That allusiveness and gentle wit are everywhere present in his arrangements, and his playing as well: particularly in the elegant, almost offhandedly precise way he dances through "Work," one of Monk's knottiest compositions, and on his proud and stately rendition of "Ruby, My Dear," which is one of Monk's sweetest and loveliest. "Ask Me Now" starts off sounding just a bit awkward but then quickly falls into place; Broom's take on "Evidence" is one of the most powerful on the album, a tense and rigid head followed by a resolutely swinging solo. Bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins give Broom both the support and the space he needs to create a warm and wonderful tribute to one of America's finest composers.
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| 01. |  |
Ask Me Now
|
5:15 |
|
| 02. | |
Evidence
|
4:17 |
|
| 03. | |
Ruby, My Dear
|
5:40 |
|
| 04. | |
In Walked Bud
|
5:52 |
|
| 05. | |
Lulu's Back in Town
|
5:55 |
|
| 06. | |
Reflections
|
6:08 |
|
| 07. | |
Work
|
7:07 |
|
| 08. | |
Rhythm-a-ning
|
4:56 |
|
| 09. | |
Bemsha Swing
|
6:27 |
|
| 10. | |
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
|
5:00 |
|
10 Total Tracks, 56:37 Total Length
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Credits
- Bobby Broom - Guitar // Bobby Broom - Producer // Dennis Carroll - Bass // Allan Tucker - Mastering // Josh Richter - Engineer // Josh Richter - Mixing // Kobie Watkins - Drums
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Performers
Kobie Watkins // Dennis Carroll
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