In his mid-eighties at the time of these recording sessions, trombonist Roswell Rudd takes the listener on a worldwide journey with his diverse musical interests. He explores a couple of widely known songs, though his bluesy take of “Feeling Good” is a funky affair showing off his chops with a mute and on open horn as organist Arne Wendt and pianist Ivan Rubenstein-Gillis lead the rhythm section behind him. His take of “Danny Boy” showcases Wu Tong on sheng (a bamboo predecessor to the harmonica), followed by the leader’s sassy muted horn accompanied by bassist John Lindberg, with Tong achieving an organ-like sound as he rejoins them. Rudd also ventures to Latin America, interpreting the Cuban traditional piece “Dame la Mano” with guitarist/vocalist David Oquendo. Rudd even composed the Cajun-flavored “C’Etait dans la Nuit” to feature fiddler/vocalist Michael Doucet and Beausoleil, along with penning “BRO” to play with an impressive group of musicians from Bali playing exotic instruments. The Incredible Honk is one of the rare CDs that will broaden the listening experience of everyone. – Ken Dryden
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