Customer Reviews

Roy Haynes Trio

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My introduction to Roy came with Pat Metheny's trio record _Question and Answer_. I was immediately taken with his drumming on that record, and knew I had to seek out some more. This one gathered dust on my Wish List for way too long before I finally got around to picking it up, which is too bad. Here, the incredible dynamic tension of Roy's drumming is matched up with the Latin-tinged piano stylings of Danilo Perez, and virtuoso bass god John Patitucci. The results are absolutely ELECTRIC.

Part of what's great about this CD is that the songs represent kind of a sampling of the different artists Roy has played with over the years, starting with Bud Powell, through Birth of the Cool era Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Sarah Vaughn and Chick Corea, to name a few. Roy has played with just about everybody, and at 70+ years, he's still tearing it up with the best of them.

I just have to shake my head in disbelief at the review a few reviews down that calls this album "really boring", because that's precisely the LAST thing I would call it. Just the playing itself is utterly fantastic, and the arrangements are very exciting too. Perez's interpretations of Monk tunes are particularly invigorating. What jazz pianist, no matter what persuasion, hasn't covered Monk tunes, if not done an entire tribute album to him? These guys know their roots and pay tribute to them with energy, vigor, and incomparable musicianship. You just can't pass up this CD.

Having had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Haynes live and on disc in several different contexts, both as leader and sideman, I have developed quite a love for his music over the years. He has the unique ability to push the music to new heights while not drowning out the contribution of his fellow musicians. So natuarally I was looking forward to this release.I was not disappointed.Danilo Perez, who brings a wonderful, unique latin flavor to his playing, seems to be genuinely at ease with the music while still being quite creative. Plus, he is just very fun to listen to!John Patitucci is a bass player whos career I have been following ever since his days in the group Tamarac. His stint with Chick Corea, though, really brought attention to his very solid playing.Mr. Haynes, of course is electrifying. Playing rhythems and counter rhythems which would cause most other drummers nightmares, are totally second nature to him. After all, he has been doing this for over fifty years.In the end, though, all this great talent would mean nothing without good tunes for them to create on. On this cd that means a selection of tried and true standards, with a few more recent works added in for good measure.The first half of the album consists of studio recordings while the second deals with live cuts from a stint at Scullers.Personaly, I prefer the live tunes. The band has a tendency to cut loose a lttle more and take a few more chances. This, as is often the case, brings the excitment level up a few notches.All in all, you can't really go wrong with this cd. Do yourself a favor: pick this one up, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and prepare to be delighted!

What can you say about a piano trio led by the drummer? Well, be prepared to have the drums up front and active. This is a difficult act to pull off; the key to success is in the quality of the players and the maturity of their relationship. In the case of the Roy Haynes trio, everything comes together nicely. Yes, there is a lot of drumming in this album, but it's not a drummer's album. The balance between the instruments is different than in most piano trios, and it's the bass player that gives away the secret to their success; this is ensemble playing where all three players are wonderfully talented, and interact with respect for the totality of the product. Danilo Parez plays piano with a great deal of inventiveness, and a completeness of phrasing that is reminiscent of Bill Evans. He has lots to say. Bassist John Patitucci has technical proficiency, experience, a wonderful sense of rhythm, and a good deal of style. And Roy Haynes is one of the best. He is restrained, and doesn't dominate the ensemble, but his position is different than in most piano trios, because < after all < it is his act. But the man has class, and a maturity of style that includes discretion in the mix with technique and leadership. Compositions are fairly mainstream, with titles by Miles, Monk, and Bud Powell. The first half of the album is a studio session, the second half is live. Both are excellent.

This music has a lot of historical depth, reflecting Roy Haynes' long career and multiple associations. There are songs dedicated to (or written by) Sarah Vaughn, Chick Corea, Thelonius Monk... The drums are front and center: I love Haynes' popping snare drum sound and his unusual rhythmic conceptions. Perhaps if I weren't a drummer I would have given the album 4 stars instead of 5, but as it is I have to give it its due.

Three musicians, three styles, three sounds, one great album. This is what it is all about, talented folks joining together for the love music. To our benifit they just so happened to create one incredible sound. B-bop, latin and a little swing all create a playful yet pensive hour of happiness.

It is great to listen to leaders interacting with leaders. These 3 are all such accomplished musicians, that to have them together it's a real treat. Great songs-arrangements, great trio, great record. Patitucci and Perez make magic in every record they play together. Roy's drumming is very unique and original, making this a very special combination of talents. This record is as colorful as it's cover art. If you know who any of these 3 cats are, you will certainly enjoy this CD...

By my mind, this trio produces the most sublime, yet energetic jazz - I just love this CD. The intricate timing built into the solid compositions make it so interesting. All three musicians are at their height - but the punctuation of Roy Haynes brings it together like a well written novel.

This is a CD worth having in my collection. For my taste this is the best piano playing I have heard by the Panamanian Danilo Perez. This group is tight and grounded. I wish Danilo had continued in this direction. The only problem is the drum playing of Roy Haynes that becomes to up-front some times, I prefer more subtle and background drum playing. John Pattituchi's playing fits also very well with this group. A very nice trio.

I went to Borders and listened to this cd for 2hrs.My favorite tune is "QUESTION & ANSWER",listen to the interaction of this trio,for sheer eartainment,Roy buils a calvacde of sound with his drum kit,I use this tune as part of workout regiemn.Roy is a plus+70 cat ,that has not lost his"BRUSH stroke.Energy is what a master musician gives to the players and to the listerner.This cd is "Fresh".

I was at Scullers when they recorded the live parts of this album. There were lots of great moments in that concert...unfortunately, none of them made it onto the album. It's like they took only the dull parts of the concert. The studio portions aren't much better. I'm a huge fan of Danilo Perez and John Patittucci but this album is really boring!