Gary Smulyan is one of of thetop bari players around, having developed a big fat sound via his work with large ensembles like the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Woody Herman’s Orchestra and the Mingus Big Band. He’s also carved out a nice solo career, and this quartet outing with the Hammond B3 trio of Mike LeDonne/B3, Peter Bernstein/g and Kenny Washington/dr is a bunsen burner. Except for the waltzy take of the 60s pop hit “Sunny” most of the tunes are either compositions by the leader or by Don Patterson. Playing with the strengths of the format, blues and grooves are in abundance, with Bernstein’s guitar as fluid as mercury throughout, but particularly on “Up In Betty’s Room” and the smoking “Blues For D.P.” Smulyan was born to play steamy pieces like the post boppish “Heavenly Hours” but, as with all bari men, sounds best when the horn itself is the feature, as on the dreamy “Aires.” As
comforting as baby back ribs and beans.
Capri Records
www.caprirecords.com