Hal McKusick was a fine journeyman cool-toned bop-based altoist and clarinetist on this 1955 Bethlehem studio date (reissued on CD by Fresh Sound), McKusick is accompanied by guitarist Barry Galbraith, bassist Milt Hinton and drummer Osie Johnson on a variety of straightahead tunes including seven originals by arranger Manny Albam. The music is pleasing, light and swinging.
Considering that guitarist Doc Powell's Laid Back album was one of 1996's biggest airplay hits in the genre, and was about as smooth as soul- flavored pop-jazz gets, it seems bold to go the tongue and cheek route and call his latest, Don't Let the Smooth Jazz Fool Ya. Is he promising us something a bit edgier, funkier, in your face? He gets off to a good start with a slamming take on the normally staid, "Chariots of Fire," based on Ernie Watts' version and featuring the potent electric guitar/sax synergy of Powell and Dave Koz over a pulsating groove laid by bassist Sekou Bunch, drummer Michael White and percussionist Munyungo Jackson. He hits the mid-tempo funk mark on the bluesy breezes of the synth-horn splashed "Good Intentions" and "Here's To You," which features Powell in synch with Everette Harp's sax and a short but luscious Bobby Lyle piano solo.
A fabulous pack for the beginning alto saxophonist, this books/CD pack teaches all the essentials, and lets players progress at their own pace! CDs includes audio instruction plus demo tracks with background accompaniments. …