Donny Time: The Music Of Don DePalma
Truth Revolution, 2024
9/10
Listen to Donny Time: The Music Of Don DePalma
The bassist Matt Dwonszyk brings along plenty of friends for this tribute album to the legendary pianist Don DePalma.
The rich “Softly As In A Morning Sunrise” opens the listen with DePalma’s meticulous keys alongside Kris Jensen’s lively tenor sax and Tony Davis’ well timed guitar lines, and “It’s Donny Time” follows with the frisky drums and Nelson Bello’s playful congas suiting the many grooves present.
Further along, “This Can’t Be” is a quick and bouncy moment that benefits much from Linda Ransom’s powerful pipes and Dwonszyk’s animated bass, while “What A Difference A Day Makes” showcases the radiant keys amid the infectious rhythm section and Ransom’s soaring voice.
Near the end, the intimate and stirring “Sunrise For The Love Of My Life” blends the cautious horns with emotion, and “Donny Time” exits with soulful brass, spirited guitar and scrappy drumming for a rhythmic version of jazz.
Sadly, DePalma passed away from Covid in 2021, and the majority of these songs were recorded after his death. The musicians certainly do justice to his memory, though, and they play with their hearts and souls to preserve his legacy.
Travels well with: Hollaway- Jazz-ish; Papo Vazquez- Songs Del Yucayeke