Rich toned tenor Steve Heckman has been a sideman for some top artists like Howard McGhee, Chet Baker, Tom Harrell, Jimmy Cobb and Billy Higgins, so he knows his way around the tradition. Here, he leads a top notch team of Howard Alden/g, Matt Clark/B3, Marcus Shelby/b and Akira Tana/dr through a gentle on mind collection of smoky standards. The mix of B3, guitar and tenor fits together like BBQ ribs, cole slaw and mashed potatoes on a cooking Caribbean read of “Fungii Mama” and a driving “Grantstand.” Clark’s Hammond oozes on a bopping “Spiral,” while Shelby’s brushes whisk away on a nifty “Melody For C.” Howard’s seven strings are nimble and quick as he jumps over “Search For Peace” and the sleek “Hangin’ At Slugs.” Heckman’s baritone is as thick as sorghum on a relaxed “Pannonica” and melds with Alden to perfection on “Autumn in New York” like a French sauce over a pork chop. This team brings home the bacon on a delightful session.
Jazzed Media