Forty Years Later, Johnson Is Still a Trombone Master : **** : J.J. JOHNSON : “Quintergy” : <i> Antilles</i>
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In this live set recorded at the famed Village Vanguard in New York City, the master of be-bop slide trombone proves he remains worthy of that mantle on his first release as a bandleader in almost a decade. As he has since his debut in the late ‘40s, Johnson here displays his substantial musicality, including his big yet bright sound, unflappable rhythmic sense and gift for melody.
He’s gathered four empathetic musicians--saxophonist Ralph Moore, pianist Stanley Cowell, bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Victor Lewis--for a program that includes new interpretations of material associated with him over the years as well as four new songs.
Johnson’s fluidity is showcased on Kenny Dorham’s ‘60s bossa nova, “Blue Bossa,” while his formidable feel for ballads is captured on his ‘50s classic, “Lament.” Of the many stand-out contributions by his sidemen, Cowell’s precision and poise on “Coppin’ the Bop,” a tour through this variant of Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm” from Johnson’s first recording session in 1949, is especially memorable.
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