...Ms. Blackman's prowess with the drums. I've been a fan since her incredible work with the (otherwise) all-horn combo Saxemble. Her rethinking of a standard like "My Funny Valentine" eschews the usual pensive feel of that chestnut and turns it into a swift-moving post-bop workout for herself and her terrific band. Her own compositions "Call To The Ancestors" and "Paradise Island" are top-notch, full of bittersweet hooks and graceful turns of phrase that stay with you long after the CD is over. Recommended for those who like their jazz "in the tradition" but not a prisoner of same. ;)
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