Live From Frankie’s & The Yardbird
Chronograph, 2021
8/10
Listen to Live From Frankie’s & The Yardbird
A legend in the Canadian jazz scene for many decades now, Al Muirhead finds himself in the company of talent like Reg Schwager, Jesse Cahill and Kelly Jefferson, among several others, as he brings us live selections from 2 of Canada’s best jazz clubs.
The aptly titled “Tenor Madness” starts the listen with bright and playful brass that also allows for calmer moments of soulfulness and bouncy bass work from Neil Swainson, and “I Don’t Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You” follows with a gentle, emotive delivery of stirring jazz that you can’t help but be in awe of.
In the middle, the energetic “A Tune For Cal” swings and bops with spirited sax and muffled trumpet taking their turn in the spotlight amid Ted Warren’s crisp drumming, while “Mona Lisa” glides with a calm yet powerful display of sublime intimacy that resonates long after the song has finished.
Landing near the end is the rhythmic and percussively strong “Four Brothers”, where lively and dynamic interaction between the brass, Jim Head’s fluid guitar work and acrobatic drumming leave an indelible mark, and “Tenor Madness”, only this time at Frankie’s, exits the listen with incredible sax prowess from Jefferson on the glowing finish.
Now well into his 80’s, Muirhead has worked with legends like Paul Anka and Dizzy Gillespie, and he’s been Juno nominated twice. With Live From Frankie’s & The Yardbird, he again gifts us with his innovative vision that’s never short on melody, and where his inventive, organic jazz is captured in its most pristine form.
Travels well with: TuneTown- Entering Utopia; Mike Freedman- Into The Daybreak