Sometimes, I just don’t get it. Sure, tenor saxist JD Allen has some impressive credentials, having toured with Betty Carter for a long time. But, there has to be something said about being in a big band for awhile and paying your dues there, especially if you’re going to do the trio thing with bass and drums. Did Allen really think he was going to give Rollins or Lovano a run for their money here? He’s got a nice thick sound, but it’s very Coltrane-ish, and HE never did the trio thing, to my knowledge. His tunes like “The Pilot’s Compass” or “Motif” just don’t seem to go anywhere, and his take of “Stairway to the Stars” seems a bit obscured by clouds. The team of Gregg August/b and Rudy Royston/dr seem like they are always looking for something interesting to say, but never quite get there. Hit Way Out West or Village Vanguard by Rollins, and thank me later.
Sunnyside Records
www.sunnysiderecords.com