Pianist and composer Mike Longo delivers a well paced and diverse concert here with a big band that is right in the pocket and shifts gears like Mario Andretti. A couple of bop standards such as “Whisper Not” and “Wee” bookend the gig, with some nice trumpet soloing by Brian Davis and Chris Rogers respectively, and Frank Perowsky’s tenor on both. Some well crafter and harmonized originals, “Afro Desia” and “Yoko Mama” feature Waldron Ricks/tp and Lee Greene/as, and “Inner City Hues” has the leader showing his dexterity on the piano. Vocalist Ira Hawkins brings his molasses rich voice for a gracious “Over the Rainbow,” and sentimental “I’m Old Fashioned” and a down and dirty “Muddy Water.” Not a bad way to spend a night in The City!
Consolidated Artists Productions
www.mikelongojazz.com