Danny Gatton, Bobby Watson, Roy Hargrove, Joshua Redman - New York Stories

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Already legendary for his country and rock and roll guitar mastery, the late Danny Gatton also released a pure jazz CD on Blue Note, "New York Stories." If there was any doubt that this incredible musician was capable of any style, any time, any place, this CD will put those doubts to rest and we will continue to mourn and lament the passing of one of the greatest guitarists in history. His suicide was provoked according to some theories by his poor record sales, and what a shame. "New York Stories" is actually a jazz combo effort with Gatton writing all or part of the tunes and sharing his time with a stellar piano and horn section. This is a jam session, and according to the liner notes, a limited amount of rehearsal was allowed to keep the tunes fresh and to allow the improvisational juices to flow. It's smooth - so much so you almost want to take up smoking and don a fedora while you listen. It harkens back to the smoky dangerous days of the '40's and '50's, where down and dirty jazz emanated from grimy clubs in the bad parts of town. Yet at times the music is ethereal, such as the guitar tour de force "One For Lenny" that closes the CD. The style here is reminiscent of Miles Davis' early years, ala "Walking" and "Someday My Prince Will Come" and perhaps a little Brubeck piano and sax tradeoffs. Even rockers will appreciate the mastery on this session. "New York Stories" goes down like a cool drink on a hot summer afternoon, welcome as a surprise snowfall in July would be.Review on Amazon.com

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TrackList:
1. Dolly's Ditty
2. Wheel Within a Wheel
3. Ice Maidens
4. Out a Day
5. Mike the Cat
6. Move
7. Clear Thought
8. 5/4
9. One for Lenny

Musicians:
Danny Gatton: Guitar
Bobby Watson: Alto Sax
Roy Hargrove: Trumpet
Joshua Redman: Tenor Sax
Franck Amsallem: Piano
Charles Fambrough: Bass
Yuron Israel: Drums

Produced by Dan Doyle