Here’s a tribute to one of the unheralded centers of jazz, good old Detroit. Material ranging from vintage 60s to present day are represented here. Who’s going to argue with an album that includes Joe Henderson’s classic “Mode For Joe,” Donald Byrd’s “French Spice” or Elvin Jones’ “Reza”? This stuff represents the post bop sounds of the Motor City with attitude. More modern material such as Spence Barefield’s “Ghost Dancers” and Marion Hayden on “The Uncrowned King” carry the baton well, while James Carter straddles the past and the future with a dexterous “Many Blessings.” A great sampler, but more of a tease to get everything by Jones, Byrd and Henderson. Not a bad way to spend a day!
Blue Note Records