Customer Reviews

Whereas

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Roy Haynes' playing has, incredibly, gotten better and better over the years. Always one of the drum masters, Haynes' conception has gotten deeper and broader, and he plays with an energy, a focus, a combination of strength and precision and looseness, that would be awe-inspiring in a player of any age. This isn't hyperbole -- it is a fact. If he were 30 rather than 80 his playing would be just as awe-inspiring.

On top of that, Haynes has evolved a group conception that is as flexible and exciting as any to be found in the annals of jazz, in my opinion. He surrounds himself with the best young players, all of whom are able to switch tracks between bebop, modal, and free styles of play at will and on a dime. They are all phenomenal individually, but it is the group conversation that will astound you if you have ears to hear. Haynes is at the center of it all, goading, underlining, exclaiming, sizzling -- lifting the bandstand off the floor.

If you have heard Haynes' previous disc "Fountain of Youth," you know what I am talking about. This record is as good as that one. Jaleel Shaw's conception is different from that of his predecessor Marcus Strickland, and he concentrates on alto rather than tenor and soprano, as Strickland did. He brings the same level of engagement, virtuosity and fire to the band. He can also play with subtlety and lyricism when he wants to.

As great as pianist Martin Bejerano was in the quartet, Robert Rodriguez is his equal. This disc, like "Fountain Of Youth," is a live performance, and there are places where you can here the audience gasping in amazement at the patterns Rodriguez and Haynes set up. Bassist John Sullivan is still in place from the previous quartet, and he is the equal of his compatriots.

If you don't know "Fountain of Youth," and if you have read this far, buy them both, set aside an evening, invite a couple of jazz-loving friends over, and be amazed.

Ladies and gentlemen, I thought there is nothing left to be done by Sir Roy Haynes. He proved me wrong time and time again, as he keeps dipping into that box of serious music and bringing the magic out.

Whilst I was not present at that great weekend in St. Paul, MN, I can picture exactly what he was doing with those drum sticks/brushes, to produce this great live recording.

Sir Roy Haynes, your selfless sacrifices in teaching, coaching and preparing young musicians for the future are unparallel. Your jazz artistry and dynamics are timeless. This is another incredible CD.