The Cookers is an all-star ensemble made up primarily of veteran bandleaders and star soloists, including tenor saxophonist
Billy Harper, trumpeters
Eddie Henderson and
David Weiss, alto saxophonist
Craig Handy, pianist
George Cables, bassist
Cecil McBee, and drummer
Billy Hart. The fireworks begin with their sizzling treatment of the late
Freddie Hubbard's "The Core," though it is a shame that the liner notes don't specify the order of the trumpet solos. The veterans in the group contributed the remaining songs.
Cables' off-center, loping "Spookarella" has a
Monk-like humor and playful flute solo by
Handy, while the pianist's pretty ballad "Sweet Rita Suite, Pt. 2: Her Soul" is a complex work that the band interprets with finesse, with
Handy again a major voice on flute, and lush ensembles by the brass and tenor.
Harper penned the funky, insistent "Priestess." His passionate "Carpa Black" is often dissonant, highlighted by his burning tenor sax.
McBee's lush ballad "Close to You Alone" (showcasing
Handy's heartfelt alto solo) and delicious hard bop vehicle "U Phoria" also merit strong praise. The solos and ensembles are enjoyable throughout this session, while the musicians obviously had a great time and are likely eager to schedule a follow-up meeting for Jazz Legacy. ~ Ken Dryden