If Sonny Rollins is correct is stating that “albums are invitations to see me in concert” then I’ve gotta make it to Detroit. This is about the 4th or 5th release from the Mack Avenue Superband over the years from the annual Detroit Jazz Fests, and each one is a peach. This one is no exception.
It doesn’t get any more deep in the pocket than with a rhythm team of Carl Allen/dr, Christian Sands/p and director Christian McBride/b. The front line of Tia Fuller/as-ss, Freddie Hendrix/tp, Kirk Whalum/ts and Gary Burton/vib weave in and out, with the three horns forming a formidable front line on the soulful “Preach Hank” and the bopping “Decisive Steps”that snaps like snow peas. Burton’s vibes glisten on “Sudden Impact” and the Kind of Bluesy “Up” while the rhythm team glides like Sonia Henie on “Paint Brushes.” The mix of Fuller’s soprano with Burton’s chime on the soft and floating “All You Have to Be Is You” is a sonic joy, making this a straight-ahead keeper of the flame.
Mack Avenue Records