Clipper Anderson

The Road Home

Origin Records

Jimmy Owens

The Monk Project

IPO Recordings

Jeff Hamilton Trio

Red Sparkle

Capri Records

CLIPPER ANDERSON

The Road Home

Origin Records

It is evident from the first lines of the opening track, Bill Evans’ “Twelve Tone Tune Two,” that this is the bassist’s record. Despite the considerable talents and sensitive interplay of pianist Darin Clendenin and drummer Mark Ivester, Anderson’s prodigious playing skill and booming, woody tone have an immediate impact on the listener.

The leader also impresses as the composer of six of the 11 tracks, including the lovely and lyrical title tune.

JIMMY OWENS

The Monk Project

IPO Recordings

The recent release of “The Monk Project” proves that trumpet and flugelhorn artist Jimmy Owens is under-recorded. He shines here in the company of an all-star ensemble that includes trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, saxophonists Marcus Strickland and Howard Johnson, pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Kenny Davis and drummer Winard Harper. You could not assemble a more formidable—or more compatible—group of musicians to revisit the always fascinating music of Thelonious Monk. 

JEFF HAMILTON TRIO

Red Sparkle

Capri Records

There is no more swinging drummer in jazz today than Jeff Hamilton. He has both the power to drive a big band and the subtlety to finesse a lyrical trio like this one, with pianist Tamir Hendelman and bassist Christoph Luty. Often utilizing brushes only, Hamilton creates an irresistible rhythmic pulse but never distracts from his colleagues’ important melodic and harmonic roles. He has such a keen sense of melody and mood that he seems to make the drums sing rather than just provide a beat.