Gerald Cannon, “Combinations”
Introducing Gerald Cannon should not be necessary but the industry being what it is, it tends to keep a relentless focus on marketable stars rather than true musicians. Suffice it to say that Gerald Cannon has played (I mean played, not surreptitiously sat in) with McCoy Tyner, Art Blakey, Roy Hargrove, Elvin Jones and dozens of major players—he himself being one.
For those who know, there’s hardly any point in delineating the music since the line-up says it all. Kenny Barron is recognizable after a few notes of introduction to the poignant bossa “A Tought”; Willie Jones III lays a thick and elegant groove throughout the session; the alto players are all superlative personalities… and everybody takes care of business the way they cannot help but.
What is worth noting is the aesthetic content. Apart from his strong playing and excellent compositions, the leader shows that he is actually adept at organizing a consistent whole, building on his experience of hard-hitting straight-ahead, Latin beats, gospel, bebop, blues, r ‘n b… “Gary's Tune” is certainly an oddity in that respect. Otherwise, this superb recording perfectly balances sinewy swing with sensitive musicality.
Tracks. Every Man Is A King ; A Thought ; Prelude To A Kiss ; Columbus Circle Stop ; Amanda's Bossa ; One For Amos ; Gary's Tune ; How Great Thou Art ; How My Heart Sings ; Combinations ; Darn That Dream
Personnel. Gerald Cannon (b); Gary Bartz (as); Sherman Irby (as); Steve Slagle (as); Jeremy Pelt (tp); Duane Eubanks (tp); Rick Germanson (p); Kenny Barron (p); Russel Malone (g); Willie Jones III (dm); Will Calhoun (dm)
