This is the first release from the Detroit Jazz group

5 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Bebop

Show all album songs: In The Tradition Songs


Details:
This is the first release from the Detroit Jazz group " In The Tradition".The collective personnel is: Charles Hopkins, Trumpet; Olujimi Tafdataona (formerly Chris James), Alto, Tenor, Baritone, and Soprano Saxophones; Sumana Ture (A.K.A. Otis Lockhart), Trombone; Brad Shearer, Piano (On "Romance Blue", and "A Smooth One For Brother Love"); Mashaka Roland Hamilton, Piano on "Soft Blue", and "Afrikan Beauty"; The late Robert Allen, Bass; Wayne Wardlow, Guitar;Brandon Parker, Drums; and Kefentse Chike, Conga and Djembe. The group began as the "Christopher James / Charles Hopkins Quintet", and later expanded into "In The Tradition". Two of the tracks ( Romance Blue, and A Smooth One For Brother Love ) are from the Quintet period and the remainder from the expanded group. " Soft Blue " , " Roimance Blue ", and " A Smooth One " are pure Bebop. " Afrikan Beauty ", and " Noloyiso " are the genesis of the future explorations of Afrikan - Diasporic Rhythms the group would soon become noted for.There are several highlights on this Album / CD that are bound to delight the listener. The group's rendition of Lee Morgan's " Soft Blue " is more gospelish and funky than the original recording by Jackie Mclean. It also swings like mad ! Mashaka Roland Hamilton's Piano solo rides through the horn "shout chorus" with funk and ferver. "Afrikan Beauty" swings on a quasi - rhumba feel and exudes beauty. Not to be missed though is " Romance Blue". A ballad feature performed by Trumpeter Charles Hopkins and the Rhythm section of Pianist Brad Shearer, Bassist The Late Robert Allen, and Drummer Brandon Parker, this track been released on a major label it would have been heralded as one on the finest recorded performances in recent memory.The interplay between Hopkins ( a nephew of the great Clark Terry ) and the rhythmn section is extraordinary. He and Pianist Shearer seem to have E.S.P. in their uncanny sensitivity and anitipation of each other.Hopkins is a fine Brass Man who excels on Trumpet, Flugalhorn, and Mellophone. For an example of his prowess on the Mellophone, check out "The End Of A Love Affair" on the group's second AFJ release " Fikira ". Other highlights include Olujimi Tafataona's Baritone Sax solo on " A Smooth One", and his Soprano Sax work on "Noloyiso". A fine debut recording in the best of the Hard Bop Tradition.