Heath

Brothers Jimmy Heath and Albert "Tootie" Heath carry on together in the tradition of the Heath Brothers band, minus their deceased brother, bassist Percy Heath. David Wong ably fills the bass chair, while pianist Jeb Patton has been working with the Philadelphia-based siblings for going on his dozenth year. There's a certain ease and calm present in Jimmy Heath's tenor sax playing that reflects the wisdom of his seasoned years, an assured stance that is never rushed or over-pronounced. This tone sets up the type of uncomplicated mainstream modern jazz based in bop that most fans can embrace and enjoy. It is refreshing that Jimmy Heath can still crank out new compositions that retain both traditional values and a universal appeal. And – if it actually needs to be said – Albert Heath is one of the greatest jazz drummers of all time, and continues on his tasteful, skillful, perfectly balanced path, a common example for students and fellow pros to follow. A perfect example of their combined expertise kicks off the set with "Changes," an effortless, light, breezy, and melodic a type of straight-ahead jazz as you will ever find.

Guitarist Greg Skaff assembles a masterful trio with bassist Ron Carter and drummer Albert "Tootie" Health, two NEA Jazz Masters for this rewarding set. Well-known for his work with soul jazz legends and with groups based around the Hammond B-3 organ, this date is surprisingly Skaff's first recording in the past 30+ years leading a guitar trio alone without piano or organ. It's also special set for the legendary reunion of Carter and Heath who worked together with history making results in the early 60s on landmark recordings by pianist Bobby Timmons and by guitarist Wes Montgomery. But, they have collaborated only once since. Skaff takes full advantage of this moment delivering an album all three are immensely proud of.

Jimmy Heath - The Gap Sealer (1972-1973) {Jazz Beat Records JB523 rel 2007}
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© 1972-73, 2007 Jazz Beat Records | JB523
Jazz / Hard Bop / Post Bop / Saxophone / Flute

Digipak edition of this 1972 album from the Jazz great featuring five bonus tracks taken from the album Love And Understanding (1973). Although Jimmy Heath released an album per year between 1959 and 1964, he would undergo an eight-year recording hiatus as a leader before returning to the studios in 1972. This CD contains the first album Heath recorded after his break. The tracks have a cohesive group sound and showcase the individuality and force of Jimmy's compositions coupled with his instrumental brilliance as a flautist and soprano and tenor saxophonist.