AAHHH! George Cables: Icons & Influences

Among pianists that were part of the halcyon days of Hard Bop, George Cables is one of the last men standing and carrying the torch. This latest session has him in mostly a trio format, which is what you want, and in the company of Dezron Douglas/b and Victor Lewis/dr, which makes for comfort food music. Here, Cables tips the hat to other masters of the ivories such as Dave Brubeck, Mulgrew Miller, Duke Ellington and Cedar Walton while setting himself up for a tribute of his own when he finally departs to his reward.

His own compositions such as “Farewell Mulgrew” and “Cedar Walton” display the taste, style and cleverness that has made him a stablemate for the likes of Blakey and Gordon. The trio changes tempos directions and dynamics while still keeping the swing feel. “Isotope” has a elliptical and tangential edge while the reading of “The Very Thought of You” is filled with bon mots. A duo with Douglas ends up with a sublime “Some Sunday,” and the solo “Blue Heart” closes the session with serenity. This one is a definite keeper of the flame that burns brightly.

High Note Records

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