Customer Reviews

Prana Dance

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

 

 

This is an excellent recording from one of the most lyrical improvisors in Jazz. Using simplistic melodies to set up an environment where the band can really engage the music, Tom Harrell sparkles throughout these eight tracks. There is great variety here, all built around tight ensemble play and wonderful solos. There is not a weak track on the disc, but my favorite is "Sequenza" because it makes me think of the lyrical sides of Freddie Hubbard and Woody shaw during their peaks. The overall vibe of this music is relaxing but still very engaging.

This band's musical chemistry is exceptional. They seem very comfortable in this setting. Wayne Escoffery (Sax) and Jonathan Blake (Drums) really deliver exceptional performances while Harrell cooks up some smoldering Trumpet and Flugelhorn solos that always leave me smiling and wanting more. Ugonna Okegwo (Bass) and Danny Grissett (Piano) are tight and focused and provide a solid foundation for the music to soar. I can't wait to hear this band in a live setting where they can stretch out and go deeper into these compositions. Great job Tom! Keep up the good work and stay strong!

A few years ago I was fortunate enough to see Tom Harrell's previous band perform not far from my home. Though this is a new outfit( outside of it's fine bassist) a few things became clear. Mr. Harrell is a real improvisor and has lead his various groups to follow his lead. In a time when Jazz is taught in music schools and analysed constantly very few are real improvisors. The format of this new recording is a challenge to the listener and the musicians who are performing. Sometimes the tunes seem made of few notes but that's when the improvising and knowledge of harmonic choices come shining through. Do yourselves a favor and listen to this music. It will stay with you and join a Jazz library that will be dipped into in the future.

Tom Harrell sets up a common jazz lineup with Wayne Escoffery on sax, Danny Grissett on piano, Ugonna Okegwo on bass, and Johnathan Blake on drums. The song structure is also traditionally jazz in that the songs switch between melody and solos without too much fanciness. The songs are pretty catchy, too. The key difference from traditional jazz is alluded to in the CD's title -- "Prana Dance". After the first three songs, Johnathan Blake keeps the snare drum steady on the rest, most prominently on "Maharaja". Tom Harrell's trumpet style is floaty, even when he plays fast, so it matches a steady beat well. Easily digestible jazz, though, is easy for me to like but hard for me love, so while this is a good CD, I can't say it's one of 2009's best.

Some new records I can't listen to more than once. I try to be supportive of new sounds and compositions. However, some people make music difficult. Tom Harrell, on the other hand, made this very relaxing offering. It has styles, grooves, swing and a ton of pretty melodies. The songs are pretty to hear and challenging for a musician to play. I love that. Simplicity at its finest. This is great band and great recording. It gives me faith and hope that record companies can record good music after all.

Tom Harrell continues a string of amazing exploratory albums with this release. At first or second listen, the territory may sound familiar, perhaps overly, almost annoyngly so. But it's Harrell's genius to revisit relatively common settings and open them up to a wealth of wonderful new possibilities. This is classic jazz in the best sense. Keep listening until your ears open up and your toes tap and your soul soars with the extraordinary Mr. Harrell and this superb band.