Elvin Jones has participated in many recording sessions through the years, but this CD is one of the most well-rounded sets he has ever led. The lineup of musicians is very impressive: trumpeter
Nicholas Payton,
Sonny Fortune on tenor and flute, trombonist
Delfeayo Marsalis, pianist
Willie Pickens, bassist
Cecil McBee, and vocalist
Kevin Mahogany. Everyone plays up to their potential and the material has plenty of variety, ranging from
Monk,
Ellington, and
Strayhorn to a traditional Japanese folk song arranged by
Elvin's wife,
Keiko ("A Lullaby of Itsugo Village"), two features for
Mahogany (a touching version of "Lush Life" and his scat-filled "Bopsy"), and some authentic-sounding R&B (
Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come").
Payton,
Marsalis, and
Fortune are not on every selection, but each have their chance to shine while pianist
Willie Pickens is showcased with the trio on a medley of "A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing" and "Ask Me Now." And as for the drummer, there is still no one around who has captured the sound and spirit of
Elvin Jones. ~ Scott Yanow