Showing posts with label Bobby Broom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bobby Broom. Show all posts

Friday, December 16, 2022

Bobby Broom - Keyed Up

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2022
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:53
Size: 130,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:23) 1. Hallucinations (Budo)
(6:08) 2. Second Thoughts
(5:06) 3. Humpty Dumpty
(4:43) 4. Soulful Bill
(6:38) 5. Quicksilver
(6:16) 6. Misty
(4:58) 7. Driftin'
(6:06) 8. Blues On The Corner, Tk 2
(6:18) 9. Scoochie
(6:13) 10. Blues On The Corner, Tk 1

On his latest album, Keyed Up, the well-traveled and well-respected guitarist Bobby Broom pays tribute to pianists "who have been an important part of [his] musical life." As he writes, ..."many great pianists who didn't need to include my six-string version of what they could already do harmonically and melodically saw fit to include me. Perhaps, among other things, this is my way of saying 'thank you' to them."

Another way to thank them may have been to include their names as composers somewhere on the album. Instead, one has to read an accompanying press release to learn that the honorees include Bud Powell, McCoy Tyner, James Williams, Mulgrew Miller, Erroll Garner

Chick Corea, Horace Silver and Herbie Hancock who collectively wrote nine of the album's ten numbers (including two takes of Tyner's "Blues on the Corner"). In spite of that, their names are nowhere to be found on the album's jacket or playlist, nor in Broom's adulatory liner notes.

The session's other tune, "Scoochie," was written by trumpeter Booker Ervin for pianist Horace Parlan's 1961 Blue Note album, On the Spur of the Moment. So, pianists were in some way involved in the genesis of every number. Yet another pianist, Justin Dillard, is a member of Broom's efficient quartet, and he doubles from time to time on the Hammond SKX organ. Bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins help keep the rhythm in sync.

Broom opens with a bouncy reading of Powell's "Hallucinations" (renamed "Budo" once Miles Davis endorsed it), moving next to Miller's meditative "Second Thoughts" and Corea's melodious "Humpty Dumpty." Williams' easygoing "Soulful Bill" and Silver's quirky "Quicksilver" (played a tad slower than most other versions) precede the venerable "Misty," which Broom was reluctant to include until Carroll reminded him, "It's by Erroll Garner!." Hancock's "Driftin,'" a medium-tempo charmer which belies its name, leads to the first reading of "Blues on the Corner," Ervin's amiable "Scoochie" and "Blues on the Corner," Take 2, which closes the studio recording.

Broom's guitar is bright and nimble, and his teammates carry out their assignments handily and without error. In sum, an above-average but rather less than special album whose choice of material (and composers) lends substance. By Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/keyed-up-bobby-broom-steele-records

Personnel: Bobby Broom: guitar; Dennis Carroll: bass; Kobie Watkins: drums; Justin Dillard: piano.

Keyed Up

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Bobby Broom & The Organi-Sation - Soul Fingers

Size: 136,4 MB
Time: 58:23
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Guitar Jazz, Easy Listening
Art: Front & Back

01. Come Together (6:02)
02. Ode To Billie Joe (5:44)
03. Do It Again (5:05)
04. Why My Guitar Gently Weeps (6:11)
05. Summer Breeze (6:02)
06. Eyes Of Faith (5:51)
07. Get Ready (6:43)
08. A Whiter Shade Of Pale (4:36)
09. I Can't Help (6:09)
10. The Guitar Man (5:55)

Veteran jazz guitarist Bobby Broom combines his jazz pedigree with his love of the pop tunes he grew up with in the '60s and '70s on his twelfth recording as a leader, the aptly-titled 'Soul Fingers', produced by Steve Jordan.

It's a formula that Broom worked to perfection on 2001's 'Stand!', which had him interpreting songs by The Beatles, The Turtles, The Mamas and the Papas, Johnny Nash, Stevie Wonder and Sly & The Family Stone through a hard-bop lens. This time out he puts his personal spin on some iconic pop tunes from that same golden era in a swinging program with his Organi-Sation, featuring his longtime drummer Kobie Watkins and the Philly-born, Brooklyn-based B-3 ace Ben Paterson.

Together they shuffle and swing their way through pop classics like The Beatles' "Come Together," Bobbie Gentry's "Ode To Billie Joe," Steely Dan's "Do It Again," Seals & Crofts' "Summer Breeze" and others. And Broom, a continuation of that great jazz guitar lineage running from Kenny Burrell and Wes Montgomery to Grant Green, George Benson and Pat Martino, holds nothing back in his harmonic stretching and fleet-fingered flurries on these familiar vehicles.

'Soul Fingers' also represents a reunion, of sorts, between Broom and drummer-producer Steve Jordan, who played together in Sonny Rollins' band during two different periods.

Soul Fingers

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Pharez Whitted - For The People

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:40
Size: 151,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:37)  1. Watusi boogaloo
(5:56)  2. If they could only see
(6:48)  3. Another kinda blues
(5:36)  4. Freedom song
(5:43)  5. For the people
(4:25)  6. It is what it is
(7:33)  7. Sad eyes
(6:38)  8. Keep the faith
(6:27)  9. The unbroken promise
(5:08) 10. Venture
(5:45) 11. Hope springs eternal

Indianapolis-born trumpeter Pharez Whitted has kept a low profile in the new millennium. He's busied himself with teaching, attending to his duties as Director of Jazz Studies at Chicago State University, performing live and appearing as a sideman on a scant number of under-the-radar albums, but none of this has helped to boost his reputation beyond his Midwestern home base. His fourteen year silence between Mysterious Cargo (Motown, 1996) and Transient Journey (Owl, 2010) didn't help matters in the visibility department, but Whitted's making up for lost time now. For The People finds Whitted in fine form, delivering funky hard bop, sunny selections and probing fare with equal skill. His horn work and writing both take center stage here, as he moves through eleven originals with his simpatico sextet. Eddie Harris-influenced funk-meets-hard bop ("Another Kinda Blue"), John Coltrane-like mysticism ("Freedom Song"), Latin-tinged post-bop ("Keep The Faith") and muted melodicism ("For The People") all come into the picture at various times. Whitted's always-focused horn lights the way throughout, whether taking on a flugelhorn-like shine ("If They Could Only See"), working in fiery, Freddie Hubbard-derived fashion ("Another Kinda Blue") or turning into Terence Blanchard-esque territory ("The Unbroken Promise"). While some of the tunes try to pack in a few too many solos, it's understandable that Whitted would want to showcase these musicians. 

Guitarist Bobby Broom, who co-produced the album with Whitted, saxophonist Eddie Bayard, who's capable of delivering molten soul with his tenor and slightly mellower asides with soprano, and pianist Ron Perrillo are all deserving of the space they're given. Bassist Dennis Carroll, who establishes himself right out of the gate with some springy bass on "Watusi Boogaloo," and drummer Greg Artry, who sounds best when things get funky, also deserve a nod for their work. After a long drought, it seems that Pharez Whitted has found the waters of inspiration and virility that will allow him to teach, play and record. Now, people outside of the Chicago area can take notice of Whitted's winning work.~ Dan Bilaswsky https://www.allaboutjazz.com/for-the-people-pharez-whitted-origin-records-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php

Personnel: Pharez Whitted: trumpet; Eddie Bayard: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone; Bobby Broom: guitar; Ron Perrillo: piano, keyboards; Dennis Carroll: bass; Greg Artry: drums.

For The People

Monday, June 5, 2017

Charles Earland - Front Burner

Styles: Jazz, Straight-ahead/Mainstream  
Year: 1988
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:15
Size: 101,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:33)  1. Moonlighting (Theme)
(7:27)  2. My Two Sons
(5:18)  3. I Will Always Love Her
(5:22)  4. Gospel Time
(9:51)  5. Mom and Dad
(6:25)  6. Can You Wait
(5:15)  7. Kickin' the '3

Charles Earland is among the most consistent of organists, with nearly every one of his recordings on that instrument (as opposed to his interlude on synthesizers) being easily recommended to soul-jazz and hard bop collectors. For this CD, Earland heads a sextet also including trumpeter Virgil Jones (long an underrated player), Bill Easley on tenor, guitarist Bobby Broom, drummer Buddy Williams and occasionally Frank Colon on conga. Other than a throw-away version of the theme from Moonlighting, the mostly basic music on this set is rewarding, with Earland infusing the tunes with plenty of grease and funk. ~ Scott Yanow

Personnel: Charles Earland (organ); Bobby Broom (guitar); Bill Easley (tenor saxophone); Virgil Jones (trumpet); Buddy Williams (drums); Frank Colon (congas)

Front Burner

Friday, July 22, 2016

Bobby Broom - Waitin' And Waitin'

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:05
Size: 135.3 MB
Styles: Bop, Guitar jazz
Year: 1997
Art: Front

[7:33] 1. Without A Song
[7:26] 2. Hot House
[6:26] 3. Always
[6:50] 4. The End Of A Love Affair
[8:17] 5. Burt's Blues
[9:14] 6. Speedball
[9:50] 7. Waitin' And Waitin'
[3:26] 8. Mo'

Bobby Broom (G); Ron Blake (Ts); Dennis Carroll (B); George Fludas (D). Recorded December 28, 1996 in New York City, NY, USA by Max Bolleman.

A step up from guitarist Bobby Broom's first Criss Cross CD, this second effort teams him with his regular trio (bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer George Fludas) plus guest tenor saxophonist Ron Blake on half of the songs. The reason this disc gets the edge over Broom's initial Criss Cross set is the high quality of the tunes, which include "Hot House," a cooking version of "Always," "Speedball," and Broom's "Mo'." The guitarist plays quite well, seems inspired by Blake's appearances, and comes up with plenty of creative statements. Recommended. ~Scott Yanow

Waitin' And Waitin'

Friday, May 13, 2016

Sergio Pires & Bobby Broom - Passport Not Required

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:54
Size: 128.0 MB
Styles: Brazilian jazz, Latin rhythms
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[7:18] 1. A Tua Presenca
[4:50] 2. Zoom Zum
[7:57] 3. Dragao
[5:19] 4. Nove Meses
[3:47] 5. Tempo De Estio
[8:10] 6. Boipeba
[6:26] 7. Baton
[5:54] 8. Beira Do Mundo
[6:08] 9. Tarde Em Itapua

Sergio Pires was born in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, self taught songwriter, playing original musical since his early twenties back in Brazil. Met Bobby Broom while living in Chicago around 1992 and since then they have been playing together around town. Bobby Broom is a gifted guitarrist, who played with Miles Davis, Stanley Turrentine, Sonny Rollins, among others. Currently on tour with Sonny Rollins, Bobby has a strong following all over the world and he is also a part of the Deep Blues Trio and his own trio.

Passport Not Required was produced by Sergio Pires and Bobby Broom in 2007, it has 9 songs blending from Brazilian music to jazzy organic grooves. Besides the original material written by Sergio Pires, it has two songs written by Cateano Veloso and Tarde em Itapua written by Toquinho and Viniicius de Moraes.

Passport Not Required

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Bobby Broom - The Way I Play: Live In Chicago

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:50
Size: 155,6 MB
Art: Front

( 5:49)  1. Strike Up the Band
( 6:32)  2. Donna Lee
( 9:21)  3. Fly Me to the Moon
(12:23)  4. Airegin
( 6:36)  5. Body and Soul
( 7:54)  6. Unit 7
( 7:17)  7. The Surrey With the Fringe on Top
(11:55)  8. Inception

Guitarist Bobby Broom could have easily taken a different musical direction when he released the popular contemporary/funk jazz album, Clean Sweep (GRP) in 1981. But with his early influences, guitarists Wes Montgomery, early George Benson and mentor/saxophonist Sonny Rollins, he has developed his own unique style on recordings such as Song and Dance (Origin, 2007). This voice is heard in a live setting on The Way I Play , an uncut, as it went down performance, as Broom states ..."it really is a record of how I approach my instrument." Joined by longtime members, bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins, the recording is a taste of the weekly gig the trio has held for the past few years at Pete Miller's Steakhouse in Evanston. It also mirrors Broom's other live trio recording, Deep Blue Organ Trio: Goin' To Town Live At The Green Mill (Delmark, 2006). Broom's approach is a lesson in soulfulness, lyricism, and an innate sense of timing and swing, that goes beyond academics. Carroll and Watkins do more than keep things tight rhythmically; they are integral parts of the vibrant trio connection, through interaction and individual performances.

This is an entire album of "OPM" (Other People's Music) standards from the Gershwin Brothers, Rogers and Hammerstein, et al. But it's the way that the trio approaches and interprets these classics that keeps them fresh: the retelling of Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee," each player delivering passionate solos and quick trades; or the lovely "Fly Me to the Moon," where Broom sets up the melody with a nice intro, leading into a purposed mid-tempo groove. The execution of a good ballad can be difficult, but Broom's tone and phrasing, as well as artistic touch, are simply exquisite on the trio's redo of "Body and Soul." The "cool" factor is strong on the swinging "Unit 7" with Watkins' colorful trap-work getting the spotlight on some heavy trading with Broom. Things end nicely with McCoy Tyner's "Inception." Broom plays some Django-like chords at the onset, with Carroll's bombastic bass walking and solo and another wonderful drum spot from Watkins. One audiophile criticism that comes with the territory of this unedited performance is found in the sound quality, which includes some minor crowd noise and the tinny treble from Watkins' cymbals. But in no way does it detract from this wonderful document of live jazz by one today's most authentic jazz guitarists. ~ Mark F.Turner  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-way-i-play-bobby-broom-origin-records-review-by-mark-f-turner.php

Personnel: Bobby Broom: guitar; Dennis Carroll: bass; Kobie Watkins: drums.

The Way I Play: Live In Chicago

Monday, November 2, 2015

Bobby Broom - Modern Man

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:46
Size: 146,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:33)  1. Dance for Osiris
(6:36)  2. Ponta Grossa
(5:46)  3. Superstition
(5:29)  4. Mo'
(6:27)  5. I'll Never Fall in Love Again
(6:16)  6. Blues for Modern Man
(9:43)  7. Old Devil Moon
(4:40)  8. A Pec a Sec
(6:09)  9. After Words
(6:02) 10. Layla

Call it what you want, Soul Jazz, Organ Jazz, whatever, but the brand of music birthed by the B-3 explosion of the 1960s is alive and well in the third millennium. Blue Note’s new banner reads “One Label Under a Groove” and groups like Medeski, Martin and Wood, and Soulive continue the extract marketable material from the legacy left by such legends as Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff. With all press and popularity surrounding this fresh wave of groove-centric bands players who predate their success are often swept over. Guitarist Bobby Broom and his partners on this recent Delmark date, definitely fall into this category of overlooked artisans. 

Broom’s been actively gigging for over two decades and served as sideman to the likes of Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis and Art Blakey over the years. His fluid picking style and mild amplification references such 60s stalwarts as Thornel Schwartz and George Benson. Dr. Smith, also known under the tongue-in-cheek sobriquet of The Turbanator, shows a level of restraint that negates the hurricane histrionics suggested by his nickname. Dealing in easy swirling fills and well-oiled accents, his light touch at the keyboard fits smoothly into the leader’s relaxed musical framework. Muhammad, once known as one of the funkiest drummers on the scene also plays things cool, never resorting to heavy-sticked bombast and instead covering the rhythmic range with taste and discretion. Ronnie Cuber, a baritonist who believes in the merits of both brawn and balladry, interestingly got his start in Smith's employ during the late 60s at the apex of the original organ jazz craze. Live at the Club Mozambique, an album they cut for Blue Note, is an excellent example of their early fireworks.

The skill and restraint shown by each man makes the prospect of lumping the quartet alongside the current crop groove purveyors appear an unfair enterprise. Seasoning their music with subtle underlying syncopations their sounds are more aligned with swinging post-bop than the greasy funk favored by their peers. The grooves aren’t thick and pasty, but instead porous and enveloping. The band’s reworking of the Stevie Wonder classic “Superstition” is a fitting microcosm of their esthetic. Gone are the fat and funky electric piano beats of Stevie’s original version. In their place is a lubricious distillation of the theme forwarded by Cuber and Broom in unison above a bustling, bopish rhythm. Ballads like “Ponta Grossa” and “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again,” while taken at slower tempos and often imbued with a softer sheen still maintain a steep level of musicianship. Where the disc slips a few notches is in the chosen material. Given the reputations and past work of the players there’s a surprising amount of caution on hand in the arrangements. While pleasant several, such as the set ending “Layla” seem slightly divorced from the fire and weight this band is so obviously capable of stoking. Still, compared to most of what passes for organ jazz these days the program has enough sparks to make it worth investigation. More importantly may it serve as the catalyst to raise awareness of these players above and beyond the core audience that are already hip to their substantial and satisfying grooves. ~ Derek Taylor  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/modern-man-bobby-broom-delmark-records-review-by-derek-taylor.php

Personnel: Bobby Broom- guitar; Dr. Lonnie Smith- Hammond B-3 organ; Ronnie Cuber- baritone sax; Idris Muhammad

Modern Man

Monday, June 15, 2015

Deep Blue Organ Trio - Folk Music

Styles: Jazz, Straight-ahead/Mainstream
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:13
Size: 150,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:33)  1. A Deeper Blue
(5:27)  2. This I Dig Of You
(9:20)  3. I Thought About You
(6:21)  4. The Chant
(6:39)  5. She's Leaving Home
(9:45)  6. Never Knew Love Like This Before
(8:27)  7. Ceora
(4:52)  8. Short Story
(6:44)  9. Sweet Sticky Thing

Since 1992, Deep Blue Organ Trio has been working tirelessly to keep the flames of classic organ jazz burning. They've held down a weekly gig at Chicago's Green Mill and have released two highly acclaimed discs for Delmark Records: Deep Blue Bruise (2004) and Goin' to Town: Live at the Green Mill (2006). On Folk Music, the trio's first release for Origin Records, guitarist Bobby Broom, drummer Greg Rockingham and organist Chris Foreman dig deep into the well of organ trio grease. Throughout the disc's nine tracks, the spirit of past B3 pioneers is strongly felt. The styles of Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Jimmy McGriff, etc. are fused together seamlessly to create an electrifying, vibrant release.

The no-nonsense swinging session, a mixture of hard-bop staples, standards and R&B hits, is highlighted by "A Deeper Blue, with feel-good blues to get things warmed up; Foreman's soulful rendering of "I Thought About You, the Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Mercer standard; the relentless swing of the 1980 Stephanie Mills hit "Never Knew Love Like This Before, and the Lee Morgan classic "Ceora. Broom is playing at the top of his game. The blistering guitarist turns in one soulful solo after another, managing to stretch the boundaries of tradition without ever losing sight of it. Rockingham, who spent a decade with organist Charles Earland, proves himself the consummate organ trio drummer. His rock-solid playing emphasizes impeccable groove and hip solo fills. Foreman, a true artisan of the Hammond B3 style, manipulates the full range of his instrument. His slow burn on Victor Feldman's "The Chant is appropriately down and dirty. There isn't an ounce of pretension on Folk Music. Quite simply, it's a soulful good time. Keep it coming fellas. ~ John Barron  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/folk-music-deep-blue-organ-trio-origin-records-review-by-john-barron.php 

Personnel: Bobby Broom: guitar; Greg Rockingham: drums; Chris Foreman: Hammond B3 organ.

Folk Music

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Bobby Broom - Plays For Monk

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:48
Size: 130,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:15)  1. Ask Me Now
(4:18)  2. Evidence
(5:41)  3. Ruby, My Dear
(5:53)  4. In Walked Bud
(5:55)  5. Lulu's Back in Town
(6:09)  6. Reflections
(7:08)  7. Work
(4:57)  8. Rhythm-A-Ning
(6:28)  9. Bemsha Swing
(5:01) 10. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

Chicago-based guitarist Bobby Broom pays tribute to jazz icon Thelonious Monk on Plays For Monk, a fresh take on eight of the late pianist's compositions, along with a couple of standards associated with Monk's repertoire. Joining Broom for his third release on Seattle's Origin Records are his long time trio mates, bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins. Broom does a tremendous job navigating Monk's music in a bare-bones guitar trio setting. His horn-like approach to soloing, relying heavily on single-note runs, gives the trio a stripped-down sound, recalling the piano-less trio recordings of saxophonist Sonny Rollins, whom Broom has been performing with for years. The open space allows for a rich dialogue, especially between Broom and Watkins. Watkins' intense swing on the up-tempo "Evidence" pushes the guitarist to inspired creativity. Broom incorporates lush chord-melody arrangements on Monk's classic ballads "Ask Me Now" and "Ruby, My Dear" and the jam session staple "Rhythm-a-ning."

Harry Warren's "Lulu's Back in Town" and Monk's "Bemsha Swing" swing with the kind of soulful vibe Broom is known for with his popular Chicago group the Deep Blue Organ Trio. "Bemsha Swing" features a rollicking bass solo by Carroll and a spirited back-and-forth between Broom and Watkins. The disc closes with a solo guitar rendition of Jerome Kern's "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," a standard that Monk recorded as a solo piece. Broom's rendition is poignant and honest much like the rest of the disc. Plays for Monk is a stunning addition to Broom's recorded output and speaks to the potential of the guitar trio in modern-day jazz. ~ John Barron  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/plays-for-monk-bobby-broom-origin-records-review-by-john-barron.php

Personnel: Bobby Broom: guitar; Dennis Carroll: bass; Kobie Watkins: drums.

Friday, December 19, 2014

Bobby Broom - My Shining Hour

Size: 132,4 MB
Time: 56:41
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Jazz: Soul Jazz, Bebop, Post-bop
Art: Front

01. Sweet And Lovely (5:52)
02. My Ideal (7:30)
03. Just One Of Those Things (6:56)
04. My Shining Hour (6:04)
05. Sweet Georgia Brown (6:01)
06. The Heather On The Hill (6:36)
07. The Jitterbug Waltz (6:54)
08. Oh, Lady Be Good (6:30)
09. The Tennessee Waltz (4:13)

Personnel:
Bobby Broom - guitar
Dennis Carroll - bass
Makaya McCraven - drums

If you’ve showed up for Steely Dan’s continuing Jamalot Ever After tour on time, then you are already familiar with the great tone and texture of opening act Bobby Broom, the Chicago-based guitarist. Curious to hear more? Here’s your chance.

With his largest release, My Shining Hour, Broom forgoes expressive original compositions like those on his most recent album, 2012’s Upper West Side Story — focusing instead on jazz standards. A jazzer with a wide musical vocabulary, Broom deploys his stellar and versatile band of bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Makaya McCraven with the cunning of an insane genius. The results are gorgeous, respectful of the originals and often jaw dropping in their emotional punch. Amazing, considering the album was recorded in three days at Shirk studios in Chicago by engineers Anthony Gravino and Jonathan Horwich.

My Shining Hour kicks off with “Sweet and Lovely,” and it’s easy to be captivated by McCraven expert stick work. But then you’d miss the elegant tone and phrasing of Broom’s hollow-bodied guitar. It’s also easy take for granted the way Carroll holds the bottom down, while the band glides from 5/4 to 7/4 time signatures. Subtle and captivating. On the song “My Ideal,” Carroll likewise provides a perfect foil to Broom’s guitar work with his mid-song solo. Then McCraven steps in with an all-too-brief drum break, demonstrating in a few bars why he’s one of the best in the business.

The pace picks up with Cole Porter’s “Just One Of Those Things,” as the three musicians toying with each other to create tension. Broom’s fleet-fingered solo dances effectively around the song’s main theme, yet still fits perfectly. The title track continues the album’s concept. Hinting of East Coast jazz traditions, and creating visions of jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald, the song effectively casts a spell over the listener. Then “Sweet Georgia Brown,” a joyous shuffle that provides the perfect opportunity for Brown to show off his be-bop, cleanses the palette.

In the end, this group has cast a perfect set of American standards, and the concluding “Tennessee Waltz” is no exception. Bouyed by McCraven’s stellar cymbal work, Carroll’s growling walking bass and Broom’s impressive phrasing — he impressively dances around the song’s main theme — “Tennessee Waltz” continues the spell cast from the first note on My Shining Hour. By Preston Frazier

My Shining Hour

Friday, October 31, 2014

Eric Alexander Quartet - In Europe

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:43
Size: 143,9 MB
Art: Front

( 8:58)  1. What A Difference A Day Made
( 6:50)  2. The Edge
( 6:04)  3. Stay On It
( 6:37)  4. To Be With You
(10:03)  5. Trippin'
( 8:09)  6. Spank That Pig
( 8:07)  7. Good Morning Heartache
( 7:52)  8. That's All

For a change of pace, Eric Alexander recorded this set with an organ trio. The fact that it was cut in Europe is not too relevant, since the musicians are all Americans. With stimulating backing by organist Melvin Rhyne, guitarist Bobby Broom, and drummer Joe Farnsworth, Alexander plays five originals by bandmembers (including three of his own) and a trio of standards. However, the originals all swing and mostly sound as if they could have been veteran standards, too. With the underrated Rhyne keeping the rhythm grooving and lightly funky, Alexander often tears into the pieces, while playing the ballads with a great deal of warmth. Virtually all of Eric Alexander's recordings are easily recommended. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/eric-alexander-in-europe-mw0000084712

Personnel: Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone); Bobby Broom (guitar); Melvin Rhyne (organ); Joe Farnsworth (drums).

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Bobby Broom - Upper West Side Story

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 59:55
Size: 137.2 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2012
Art: Front

[6:50] 1. D's Blues
[4:54] 2. Upper West Side Story
[8:46] 3. After Words
[6:58] 4. Minor Major Mishap
[6:24] 5. Lazy Sundays
[3:25] 6. Fambrocious (For Fambrough)
[7:43] 7. Father
[6:12] 8. Call Me A Cab
[8:40] 9. When The Falling Leaves..

One of the top guitarists of his generation, Bobby Broom's preferred setting is a small group, while he excels in the demanding trio setting with bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins (with Makaya McCraven replacing him on three songs). Upper West Side Story includes nine originals, none of which is likely to become a jazz standard, but all of which are stimulating. "D's Blues" has an engaging hard bop hook that pulls the listener in immediately, while "Upper West Side Story" suggests a walk in Manhattan on a breezy spring day, with an infectious Latin undercurrent. The loping "Minor Major Mishap" takes its time to develop, though Broom's intricate solo bustles with energy. "Fambrosicous" is dedicated to the late bassist Charles Fambrough, an engaging vehicle that starts as bop but detours into some wild improvising. "When the Falling Leaves..." is a subdued ballad with a melancholy air, with the rhythm section providing soft, spacious accompaniment that completes the mood that Broom seeks. Recommended. ~Ken Dryden
 

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Bobby Broom - Song and Dance

Styles: Soul Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:29
Size: 149,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:54)  1. Can't Buy Me Love
(6:23)  2. Where Is The Love?
(5:43)  3. Little Rascals Theme (Good Old Days)
(6:43)  4. Coming Home
(5:10)  5. Blues For Modern Man
(6:19)  6. Superstar
(8:33)  7. Smile
(7:33)  8. Wichita Lineman
(5:45)  9. You And The Night And The Music
(6:19) 10. Waiting And Waiting

Bobby Broom had recently turned 44 when he recorded Song and Dance in February and March 2005. In youth-obsessed markets like hip-hop, teen pop, or dance-pop, any artist who is 44 and successful probably became established 20 or 25 years earlier. But jazz is a different ball game. In jazz, age is a plus; it means more years developing your skills, improving your chops, and discovering who you are as an artist. Jazz is full of people who had more to say at 44 than they did at 24, and Broom has a lot to say on Song and Dance. This trio date finds the guitarist (who is joined by bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins) bringing his improvisational skills to a variety of material, which ranges from the Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love" to Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" to "Where Is the Love?" (a major hit for Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway in the early '70s). But whatever the song whether he is playing original compositions or tackling "Good Old Days (The Little Rascals Theme)"  Broom always keeps things personal and maintains the perspective of a jazz instrumentalist. 

Another highlight of this 65-minute disc is Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman," which was a number one country hit for Glen Campbell in 1968; Broom has no problem taking "Wichita Lineman" out of country-pop and making the tune a vehicle for post-bop improvisation. And why shouldn't Broom find the jazz potential in songs that were recorded by the Beatles, Flack, or Campbell? Contrary to what some of the more dogmatic individuals in the jazz world would have listeners believe, worthwhile popular music did not end with Tin Pan Alley. Broom, of course, realizes that, and his open-mindedness is a definite advantage on this memorable CD. ~ Alex Henderson  http://www.allmusic.com/album/song-and-dance-mw0000485911

Song and Dance