May 7, 2009 (From The Northern Echo)

May 7, 2009

12:04pm Thursday 7th May 2009 in

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WHAT’S ON

Tomorrow Sue Ferris Quintet, Traveller’s Rest, Cockerton, 01325- 382676; Saturday, Norma Winstone and Friends, Sage, Gateshead, 0191-443- 4661.

CD REVIEWS

Jackie McLean/Bluesnik (Blue Note 65145)

Another welcome batch of reissues in the Rudy Van Gelder Edition includes this classic Jackie McLean album, one of the alto player’s finest at the time (1962) and still an amazing album. The band helped too with Freddie Hubbard on trumpet and a rhythm section of Kenny Drew, Doug Watkins and Pete La Roca.

Horace Silver/Tokyo Blues (Blue Note 65146)

Gentler but funkier, and just as bluesy, is this Horace Silver album, also from 1962. Blue Mitchell trumpet, Junior Cook, tenor sax, and Gene Taylor, bass, were well settled in and temporary drummer John Harris Jr fitted in perfectly.

Classic photos by Frances Wolff and updated commentary by Bob Blumenthal complete another delightful reissue.

Grant Green/Street of Dreams (Blue Note 65142)

A surprisingly mellow album with the guitarist joined by Bobby Hutcherson, vibes, Larry Young, organ, and Elvin Jones, at his most restrained, on drums.

The four lengthy ballads, including Lazy Afternoon, provide a thoughtful disc.