Cadence
Magazine, NY Editor: Derek Taylor Writes…..Burns and his associates
serve up a piping hot platter of postbop grooves on (2), Nearly
all of the tunes are contributed by the band members and Burns'
decision for a program of originals helps in raising the bar a
little on an otherwise conventional session. There's still the
requisite run through funk ("Sphenoidal") song structures, but
Burn's authoritative tone on tenor works well in the effort to
keep things interesting. Most of the pieces stay bright and splashy
thanks to Byrd's tasteful keyboards and uniformly pulsing rhythm
supplied by Hiner and Sweet. Burns routinely blows blustery, if
utilitarian, melodic lines squaring off against Bigoney in cleanly
conceived and executed exchanges. There are even several times,
as on the closing "Wikki Wikki Song" when the leader hints at
a freer side of his playing though they are comparatively rare.
Anyone with a taste for ardently and honestly played mainstream
Jazz will be hard-pressed not to find something to like here.
WorthThe
Wait!!!
Reviewer:
Baltimore, Maryland..... I have the first cd by Howard Burns and
I am glad the wait is over for this new marvelous cd. From the
first cut to the last, this is "a new sound" that should be on
every jazz lovers' list. I especially love "Lucinda's Serenade"
(holds a special place in my heart). Finally, jazz that IS a cut
above the rest. Thanks for breaking the mold.
Tell the Jazz World This is a Must Have!!
Reviewer: Baltimore, Maryland........From the first
cut--Sphenoidal to the last--Wikki Wikki Song you will find yourself
snapping your fingers, tapping your feet, closing your eyes and
getting into the grove of the music. This is a must have for any
jazz collector. I truely fell in love with "Lucinda's Serenade"--I
kept hitting the repeat button on the cd player. This is an excellent
CD!