Here are two recent releases that give tribute to the foundation of modern music, bebop.
Dedicated to the music of his famed uncle Clifford Brown, drummer Rayford Griffin brings together an all start team including guests Roy Hargrove/tp, Everette Harp/ts, Brian Bromberg/b, the late George Duke/key, Michael “Patches” Stewart/tp, Rick Braun/tp and Nicholas Payton/tp. Hargrove and Payton sound wonderful giving tribute to their Meister, and focus on the lyricism more than the power, as NO ONE blew as hard as Brownie. The songs are selections made famous by the icon, with “Daahoud” and “Cherokee” being more of a soulish funk groove and a bigger sound overall than the original 50s readings. Payton’s electronic echo hip hops on “Jordu” and there are some Herbie Hancock Headhunter effects on a muted horn on “Joy Spring.” Nephew Raymond is crisp as a shark skin suit on “Sandu” and a soul punch hits to the jaw on a lovely “Willow Weep For Me.” A tribute, and not an imitation.
Jeff Lorber leads a similar group of allstars to make a disc where the proceeds to help fund a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease, or PKD, Harp, Braun and Harp are also on this session along with a core team of Harvey Mason/dr, Chuck Loeb/g and Till Bronner/tp. The team sounds sleek and fervent on “Straight No Chaeser,” and joyful as Leob hits it right on “Donna Lee.” Everette shines on a mysterious “Night in Tunisia” while Loeb and Bromberg sound of together on a sneaky “Confirmation” with guest Eric Marienthal’s alto. Randy Brecker sizzles on “Giant Steps” with John Patitucci/b and Brian Dunne/dr and Braun’s trombone sashay’s on “St. Thomas.” Great music for an important cause.