"Top-notch hard bop is performed by pianist Cedar Walton's quartet, a group also including altoist Vincent Herring (who doubles on flute), bassist David Williams, and drummer Kenny Washington. An underrated composer, Walton performs five of his own pieces, plus four standards (including "Body and Soul" and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"). Herring's Cannonball Adderley-inspired alto is well featured, and Kenny Washington fits right into Billy Higgins' old slot. Easily recommended for fans of modern straight-ahead jazz." (Allmusic)
"One of the first volumes of SteepleChase's series of studio jam sessions, saxophonists Dick Oatts, Don Braden, and Vincent Herring, join forces for some fireworks, accompanied by the top-notch rhythm section of pianist Andy LaVerne (one of the label's most frequently recorded artists), bassist Jay Anderson, and drummer Billy Drummond. LaVerne's up-tempo blues "Jamboree" features great solos and interplay by the front line, as do his breezy "Hat Trick" (showcasing all three on tenor sax) and the loping "How High the Moon." Braden's laid-back "Private Eye," and Oatts' breezy "April" inspire some of the best solos of the session. Each saxophonist has an individual ballad feature, though on this date, unlike many CDs in this series, they are not played together in a medley. The three tenors are also together for a rousing take of Sonny Rollins' "Airegin."" (Ken Dryden, Allmusic)
Speciaal getipt door Jazz Podium De Tor. ""State of Mind" favors a straight-ahead hard bop/post-bop format above the soul jazz Ellis is known for -- and that approach serves the improviser well whether he is turning his attention to John Coltrane's "Grand Central," Charlie Parker's "Barbados," or the exuberant "Sunshowers" (a lesser-known piece that was written by bassist Clint Houston and recorded by trumpeter Woody Shaw in the late '70s). The hard-swinging Ellis also embraces George Gershwin's "Summertime," which is one of those Tin Pan Alley gems that has been beaten to death over the years -- Keepnews' liner notes describe "Summertime" as a song that "might seem almost ready to be retired." But Ellis' Coltrane-ish, slightly abstract version of "Summertime" (which uses a rare, seldom heard arrangement by saxman Noel Jewkes) doesn't sound generic or common. The album isn't groundbreaking, but in terms of enthusiasm, chops, and soulfulness, Ellis comes through." (Alex Henderson, Allmusic)
"For Walton's debut on the Astor Place label, the widely respected veteran pianist contributed all 9 selections. Although his "Bolivia" is a jazz standard, Walton is not normally thought of as a major composer. However, quite a few of his new pieces could possibly become standards in the future if jazz improvisers explore this disc. Of the more memorable originals, "Martha's Prize" has a light cheerful melody; "The Vision" gives Ralph Moore an opportunity to show just how distinctive he can sound on soprano; "Happiness" is a joyful hard bop tune a little reminiscent of "Little Rock Getaway" with a bridge added; "Underground Memoirs" (which has a particularly strong Walton solo) is a haunting ballad, and "Theme for Jobim" swings with a strong bossa beat. The all-star lineup plays up to their potential with Hargrove sometimes recalling Freddie Hubbard, and Moore and Herring getting in their spots and the ensemble as a whole sometimes resembling the Jazz Messengers. Highly recommended." (Scott Yanow, Allmusic)
"Altoist Vincent Herring teams up with pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Richie Goods, drummer Carl Allen and percussionist Daniel Sadownick to perform a rather unusual repertoire for a jazz date. In addition to his original ballad "Timothy" and a couple of obscure pop tunes, Herring interprets a song by Prince and three by Billy Joel. However, by reharmonizing the pieces and opening them up, Herring essentially turns them into jazz. Although nothing here is destined to become a standard in the jazz world, the fresh material does inspire the players a bit, although the results fall short of classic. A change of pace (which seems a bit out of place in this context) is a version of Hank Mobley's "Soft Impressions," which co-stars guest trumpeter Roy Hargrove." (Scott Yanow, Allmusic)
Album uit 1993. Geöliede mainstream hardbop-CD van groep rond jonge drummer Carl Allen met opvallende generatiegenoten Roy Hargrove (t) en Vincent Herring (saxen). Allen speelde in trompettist Freddie Hubbard's band, die hier te gast is.
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