| Jazz |
We are kicking off this series of recent LPs with a portion of the Mack Avenue collection, which kindly sent them our way. It’s hard to decide where to begin this series of articles, as the LPs we’ve received are all so sublime. However, I’ve chosen to talk to you about this excellent double album by Kenny Garrett, titled “Do You Dance!” from 2016.
I’ll start with the technical aspect, as on this front, Mack Avenue’s pressing is quite close to that of the CD version, with slightly less definition and a warmer sound. However, when played on good speakers, it’s an absolute delight to listen to, impressively enhanced by the weight of the LPs. If I reference LPs from the 1950s, we’re talking about a similar level of quality that will easily withstand the years if the LPs are well-maintained. So, let me begin by giving you the details of the musicians on this album.
KENNY GARRETT, alto sax on all tracks (except 8), with
01. PHILLY
Vernell Brown Jr, (p); Corcoran Holt (b) & Ronald Bruner Jr., (d)
02. BACKYARD GROOVE
Vernell Brown Jr, (p); Corcoran Holt (b) & Ronald Bruner Jr., (d)
03. WHEATGRASS SHOT (STRAIGHT TO THE HEAD)
Vernell Brown Jr, (p); Corcoran Holt (b) & Ronald Bruner Jr., (d); Rudy Bird (perc)
McClenty Hunter (d); Donald “Mista Enz” Brown Jr., (rapper)
04. BOSSA
Vernell Brown Jr, (p); Corcoran Holt (b); McClenty Hunter (d) & Rudy Bird (perc)
05. DO YOUR DANCE!
Vernell Brown Jr, (p); Corcoran Holt (b): McClenty Hunter (d) & Rudy Bird (perc)
06. CALYPSO CHANT
Vernell Brown Jr, (p); Corcoran Holt (b): McClenty Hunter (d) & Rudy Bird (perc)
07. WALTZ (3 SISTERS)
Vernell Brown Jr, (p); Corcoran Holt (b) & McClenty Hunter (d)
08. PERSIAN STEPS
Kenny Garrett (p,fl); Ronald Bruner Jr., (d); Vernell Brown Jr., (chant)
09. CHASING THE WIND
Vernell Brown Jr, (p); Corcoran Holt (b) & Ronald B
Throughout this album, we move from one surprise to another, and it’s difficult to add more than what has already been said about it since its release. From my perspective, it’s one of Kenny Garrett’s best works. Resolutely urban, there’s an incredible level of sonic exploration throughout the album. The occasional presence of vocals also immerses us in a very urban form of jazz. Just as we begin to drift off into another direction, we’re re-centered, and then there’s Kenny Garrett’s distinctive saxophone playing style. Soft attacks followed by powerful bursts of sound at just the right moments, these recurring motifs that occasionally challenge harmony – Kenny Garrett compels our attention. Try this experiment: play this LP with a few friends, and you can bet that someone will say, “Did you hear that? Right there, what he did, rewind a bit…”
I won’t dwell on the subject, but honestly, most of Mack Avenue’s LPs are priced below $13, and for this double album, you’ll be below $35. Truly, for the quality these albums represent artistically as well as in terms of the physical object, it’s a genuine gift. Do you already have the CD version? Why not have this album on vinyl as well? The listening pleasure is different, yet equally captivating.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, August 18th 2023
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All the Mack Avenue LPs are here