Enj Sociiety

Guitarist Rudy Linka covers a lot of ground on his Enja CD, ranging from straightahead standards and a boppish blues to some dry originals worthy of John Scofield, a bossa nova and "Old & New (Orleans)" which combines parade rhythms with a funky blues. Linka's interplay on this trio set with bassist George Mraz and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith is impressive as is the leader's low-volume yet high-intensity solos.

Kenny Barron - What If (1986) {ENJA 24bit Master Edition rel 2008}
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© 1986, 2008 ENJA Records | ENJA 24bit Master Edition | ENJ-2142 2
Jazz / Post Bop / Piano

Although brief at just over 42 minutes long, this is a satisfying effort from pianist Kenny Barron. His second Enja release documents a quintet consisting of trumpeter Wallace Roney, tenor saxophonist John Stubblefield, bassist Cecil McBee, and drummer Victor Lewis. The entire quintet is showcased on four Barron originals, the haunting melody of "Phantoms," the freebop of the title track, the relaxed swing of "Voyage," and the lovely waltz "Lullabye."

Trumpeter Ingrid Jensen continues to pursue the edges of "in" on her second disc as leader. This time around, Jensen gets some assistance via the ever explosive drummer Bill Stewart as well as the equally searching reedman Gary Bartz. This is solid post-bop jazz that deserves a listen.

Ingrid Jensen has the talent to make a dent in the world of jazz, and her hard-edged sound on trumpet hearkens to some of the past masters such as Woody Shaw, Freddie Hubbard, and Clifford Brown. Her excellent choice of a second horn, tenor saxophonist Gary Thomas (who doubles on flute), should have been enough to catapult this recording to the top of the pack, but somehow, the somewhat placid arrangements detract from the whole. Instead of the breakthrough album that might have been, Jensen has produced a good, if fairly pedestrian, recording, one that contains moments of inspired playing but somehow leaves the listener wanting more. Jensen knows how to build tension and release it at unexpected times, and her clipped phrases highlight an otherwise ordinary set.

Shortly before joining Miles Davis' group, guitarist John Scofield recorded this passionate trio set with electric bassist Steve Swallow and drummer Adam Nussbaum. Much of Scofield's playing here is quite rock-ish although he does show off his jazz chops on Jackie McLean's "Dr. Jackle." The frequently intense music has plenty of fiery moments.

Baker always sounded at his best when performing in a trio with guitar and bass. Guitarist Philip Catherine and bassist Jean Louis Rassinfosse (both of whom had recorded with the trumpeter previously) are major assets to the subtle but swinging session. Each of the performances (Bob Zieff's "Sad Walk," Horace Silver's "Strollin'," "Love for Sale," "But Not for Me," and a 15-minute version of Richard Beirach's "Leaving") are extended versions but there are no rambling or wandering moments during this set of lyrical jazz.

The great tenor Coleman Hawkins started to go downhill in late 1965 (eating too little, drinking too much) and his career became progressively sadder until his death on May 19, 1969. This Enja CD (comprised of brand new material taken from a Baltimore club date) has five lengthy performances and strong work from the rhythm section (pianist Barry Harris, bassist Gene Taylor, and drummer Roy Brooks) but Hawkins' solos are consistently aimless and occasionally lost. His lines are shorter than in previous years and he seems to be gasping for air to an extent. The ironic part is that the audience is overly enthusiastic, loving every note no matter how desperate Hawkins sounds. Only on the brief closing "Ow" (where the tenor trades off very advanced phrases with Harris) does Hawkins sound up to par.