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One for All: Big George
ByThis review is of the album in its limited-edition 6-track vinyl format, pressed by MPO in France. CD and streaming releases add 3 bonus tracks, but the old-school LP has a natural symmetry, with the three One for All-only tunes on Side One and the three with Coleman on Side Two. The whole thing kicks off with Alexander's "Chainsaw," based around a "So What"-like two chord vamp played by the horns over a left-hand piano figure. Both the composer and Rotondi deliver some hot solos, and Farnsworth smoothly shifts from a funky beat to straight-ahead swing halfway through. It is a corker that brings to mind mid-1960's Blue Note Records classics in the best way. It is followed by the bossa-flavored, but upbeat, "In the Land" by pianist Hazeltine, followed by Davis' "Edgerly." The latter track is another highlight, based around a descending/ascending four-chord riff with the horns providing the lead line over a syncopated beat. The composer's trombone solo is great, if all too brief; one can imagine that this tune would really take off at a gig where the band had more time to stretch out.
Side Two brings Coleman into the spotlight, beginning with another original, Rotondi's "Oscar Winner," so-named because he felt it sounded like something the Oscar Peterson Trio might have played. He is not wrong: It is exactly the kind of dapper blues that Peterson's band performed so impeccably. Coleman is featured on a long solo that feels oddly questioning and episodic on top of the band's elegant swing. Much better is his tender and lyrical playing on the standard "My Foolish Heart," where One for All's horn trio ably support him with harmonized commentary. Best of all is the finale, Hank Mobley's "This I Dig of You," first heard on his 1960 classic album Soul Station (Blue Note). Coleman's solo is followed by Hazeltine's and some fun and loose horn interjections over impressive stick-work by Farnsworth that ends the session on a high note.
The recorded sound is excellent throughout, warm but detailed, and it is a special pleasure to read the liner notes by AAJ's own C. Andrew Hovan in the big 12" format. Of the digital bonus tracks, "Leemo," is specially recommended, a loping groover with typically excellent solos by the horn players.
Track Listing
Chainsaw; In the Lead; Edgerly; Oscar Winner (feat. George Coleman); My Foolish Heart (feat. George Coleman); This I Dig of You (feat. George Coleman).
Personnel
One for All
band / ensemble / orchestraJim Rotondi
trumpetEric Alexander
saxophone, tenorSteve Davis
tromboneDavid Hazeltine
pianoJohn Webber
bass, acousticJoe Farnsworth
drumsGeorge Coleman
saxophone, tenorAlbum information
Title: Big George | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Smoke Sessions Records
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About One for All
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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