Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Lester Bowie: Funky T. Cool T. (1991)


A beautiful example of the music of a man whose passing went largely unnoticed. Music that is easily accessible to jazz listeners who are put off by the label "avant garde." Music that is spiritual and funky at the same time. A wonderful mixture of standards ("What's New") and the kind of whimsical contributions that Lester Bowie contributed to the Art Ensemble of Chicago. Although this group was called the New York Organ Ensemble, the music is still decidedly brass. Steve Turre's solos on trombone are brilliant. A very young James Carter's involvement is quite understated by his later standards. And Famoudou Don Moye provides a firm background on percussion. Uplifting music that works best when you are feeling blue.
Personnel:
Lester Bowie - trumpet, flugelhorn
Steve Turre - trombone
Amina Claudina Myers - organ
James Carter - tenor sax
Famoudou Don Moye - drums, percussion
Philip Wilson - drums
Funky T. Cool T. (HF) lossless

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