Customer Reviews

Grantstand

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

 

 

I must admit that on the first few listenings, "Grantstand" did not grab me the way "Idle Moments" and "Matador" had. The sound is funkier, as you would expect from a lineup that includes Yusef Lateef, Jack McDuff and Al Harewood, a bit closer to the less satisfying releases Grant put out in the '70s. Over time, however, the CD exerts a sly pull. It's a worthy addition to the Green library.

The highlight for me is "Blues in Maude's Flat," a flawless workout that allows each band member to shine. McDuff's organ pulls seductively underneath Green and Lateef's on-the-money statements, and the band fuses as if it had been playing together since they were kids.

Another plus is the bonus inclusion of "Grant's Greenery," one of the guitarist's signature tunes. The foursome also changes up the mood with an introspective take on "My Funny Valentine."

This is a relaxed session that won't blow you away. Still, you'll find yourself coming back to hear some pretty satisfying testifying from some jazz masters.

One would not really have to review this one.. because what Nat Hentoff concludes in his liner notes says it all"Grantstand is a place to which a listener can return again and again"I like this album better than the more wellknown "Complete quartets with Sonny Clarke".. perhaps it is so because Gtants playing is at it s best when there is a B3 backing him.... and in particular if the B3 player happens to be McDuff.. I doubt that I ever heard McDuff play more relaxed and swinging than on this one. his basslines is "the enginee" here.It is a pleasure to hear Lateef and Green together.. Lateef adds a lot to this recording..his is very bluesy and swinging.
Apart from the "cookin" tunes like "Blues in Maudes flat or Greens Greenery" .. I must say that Greens ballad playing on "My Funny Valentine" is the best he ever done on record in my opinion..That solo is amasterpiece...Green is telling his story straight from his heart.This is Greens best recording from 1961.

THIS CD is not bad but it seem to have that same flavor of each song on this cd. but I love grant and i would still get this cd because of that. and it's sad that people are now just knowing who he was and the funk he put out in the late 60's and early 70's.