Playing Changes/Blues Inside Out [Import]

Disc: 1

1. Laura

2. Sierra

3. Moment's Notice

Disc: 2

1. Tune-Up

2. Venus Fly Trap

3. Nancy (With the Laughing Face)

4. Blues Inside Out

5. Never Let Me Go

6. Oleo

Editorial Reviews

From Jazziz
For nearly three decades, the legendary tenor saxophonist George Coleman has intermittently led an exciting eight-piece band in addition to his hard-blowing quartets. Danger High Voltage is a welcome addition to the octet's limited discography. The recording features compositions and arrangements by Frank Foster and Bobby Watson and charts from within the band by Coleman and tenor saxophonist Ned Otter. An unusual combination of four saxophones, trumpet, and rhythm sounds polished, without sacrificing the freewheeling intensity of the band's live performances.

Coleman has always thrived in the company of musicians who challenge him, and this band is no exception. The contingent of young soloists - trumpeter Jim Rotondi, Otter, baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan, and alto saxophonist Adam Brenner - confidently romp through the tune's changes and play off of the band's accompanying riffs. For instance, Rotondi plays the melody of the ballad "Portrait of Jennie" with sincerity, and as the tempo doubles he improvises several choruses of edgy, well-constructed ideas.

Throughout the recording, Coleman and frequent cohort pianist Harold Mabern confirm that they are significant stylists on their instruments. On the opening track, Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely," the tenor saxophonist stands out with his customary long strings of cleanly articulated 16th notes and bluesy phrases. Mabern swings so intensely during "Conservation" that, despite the capable bass, drums, and percussion of Ray Drummond, George Coleman Jr., and Daniel Sadownick, he sounds like a one-man rhythm section.

Playing Changes/Blues Inside Out,George Coleman,Jazz House Records,Hard Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop

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