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Crotchet

Ray Brown Trio Some of my best friends are……guitarists TELARC CD-83499

1. Squeeze me
2. I want to Be Happy
3. Heartstrings
4. Blues for Ray
5. Fly Me to the Moon
6. The Song is You
7. Little Darlin’
8. Blues for Junior
9. Tangerine
10. My Funny Valentine
11. Blues for Wes
12. Soulful Spirit

Ray Brown – Bass
Geof Keezer – Piano
Karriem Riggins – Drums
Kenny Burrell – Guitar 5&12
Herb Ellis – Guitar – 2&8
Bruce Forman – Guitar 6&11
Russell Malone – Guitar 3&7
John Pizzarelli – Guitar 1&9
Ulf Wakenius - Guitar 4&10

The timing of this release, coming at around the time of the death of Ray Brown, makes it even more important. Ray was probably the most respected bass player in the history of jazz and everything he was associated with meant quality music.

As is often the case now, the sleeve note is remarkably uninformative. Most of us care little which recording equipment was used, but we would like to know more about the artists who are performing. The only useful information we have, is that the recordings were made in Jan & Feb 2000.

Why record companies can’t be bothered to produce a decent sleeve note these days is beyond me, the extra cost would be minimal and there is no shortage of people who would be pleased to write them, for a very modest fee.

Each of the ‘guitar friends’ is a star in his own right and all six are well worth hearing the star attraction for me in this recording however is the trio.

Geof Keezer on piano is outstanding; Karriem Riggins generates swing a-plenty and complements perfectly the superb bass playing of the leader. To pick a favourite track would be difficult; each one is a gem.

Don Mather

 

 

 

 
 
 
 

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