Customer Reviews

Fountain of Youth

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Perhaps Chick Corea said it best: "He defies time, doesn't he?"

Interestingly, that can be taken at least two ways--1), How can he continue to be among the very best drummers at his advanced age? and 2) He plays in such a way as to "defy time," that is, to keep time without "keeping" it, to "give it back," so to speak, to his bandmates, and, ultimately, to his hearers.

On this remarkable disc, he does both. With insouciance, ease, aplomb. You younger drummers out there, you who're all over your kit, rototoming and cymbal-riding it to death, take a lesson from the master: more is less. Apposite playing counts more than monster chops. Learn from your elders.

Here, in a live setting with his brilliant working band (monster newcomer Martin Bejerano, piano; another monster newcomer, John Sullivan, bass; and rising star Marcus Strickland on tenor and alto sax and bass clarinet), he casually annihilates all pretenders, indeed defying time.

This is jazz at its finest, a brilliant mix of the new and the old, the formal and the intuitive, the spontaneous and the written, the traditional and the innovative.

My only complaint, and it's a minor one, is that the audience is too much a part of this disc. Other brilliant live recordings (e.g., Haden/Gismonti Live at Montreaux, The Dave Holland Quintet's Extended Play, Frank Kimbrough's Quickening, Jason Moran's Bandwagon) downplay the audience presence. With modern mixing technology, this isn't a problem. Why make them such a part of the performance? Just to show how much they appreciated what was going down? Doesn't that smack of insecurity? With an artist of the stature of Roy Haynes, there's no need to add audience enthusiasm for hype purposes. Bad call, Dryfus.

But as I say, that's just a minor annoyance, not even worth subtracting a half star. This is a very fine disc, and a wonderful companion to his studio release, Love Letters. Don't miss it.

this cd from a legend behind the drum kit grabs your attention from the first strokes of "greensleeves" and never lets up until the set is done. the energy and the excitement are in full force all the way through. mr. haynes has played behind almost everyone in his fifty year career, but he is also a skilled leader, pushing and cajoling his bandmates to new heights. here he is surrounded by a new generation, and he pushes them creatively, allowing even old chestnuts to shine anew as they are explored, redeveloped and transformed. mark strickland stands out on reeds, but the whole band is worth hearing. along with elvin jones, mr. haynes reminds us of what was, but they also show us the fire still burns. a great set!

From the very first cut, a rousing and rhythmic rendition of Greensleeves, this CD just shows how a master and experienced leader like Roy Haynes can drive his fellow musicians to new heights of achievment. Every cut is a gem but I will admit that the driving bassline and tempo of Greensleeves just knocked me out at first listen. Very good sound quality and the music is energetic and wonderful. Highest recommendation.

Roy Haynes has a very unique style. As unique and incredible as Tony Williams in the early days with Miles. This CD is nothing short of amazing. Much energy and enthusiasm by all performers... The song selection is stellar as well - caping it all off with a nice version of Pat Metheny's "Question and Answer" at the end of the set.

Highly recommended...

Well played, well recorded, well written songs! I don't like it quite as well as "Love Letters" but it's still a wonderful record.