Vibe Provider
Mack Avenue, 2024
8/10
The inimitable pianist Emmet Cohen pays tribute to his friend and NYC jazz luminary, Funmi Ononaiye, where the 9 tracks recruit some excellent help.
“Lion Song” starts the listen with Cohen’s flowing keys alongside Kyle Poole’s frisky drumming that suits the animated climate, and “Surrey With The Fringe On Top” follows with Norris’ strategic bass amid the crisp drums and radiant keys.
Halfway through, “Unblock The Love” spotlights Tivon Pennicott’s soulful sax and Bruce Harris’ rich trumpet for the album’s best, while “If This Isn’t Love” benefits much from swift bass plucking and acrobatics keys in its mesmerizing delivery.
Arriving near the end, “Time On My Hands” emits much intimacy via the dreamy piano and rich rhythm section, and “Emmet’s Blues” exits with an upbeat and colorful finish that showcases Frank Lacy’s trombone and Joe Farnsworth’s drumming.
A tremendous memorial for Ononaiye, the blues and jazz mix here with no lack of swingin’ fun and calmer introspection that illuminates a life well lived by the Vibe Provider, who wisely said ‘Tamp down the fear. Unblock the love’.
Travels well with: Marc Copland- Someday; Kenny Barron- The Source