The Ira Tribute Album
Blue Road Records, 2022
8/10
Listen to The Ira Tribute Album
The guitarist Brev Sullivan pays tribute to his father and mentor Ira here, where the Blue Road Records Studio Sessions Band, which features the finest musicians from South Florida, preserve Ira’s accomplished legacy.
“I Get A Kick Out Of You” leads the listen with swift drumming from Kevin Abanto, as smooth guitar lines and Javier Espinoza’s cozy bass work makes the most out of the lively climate, and “Monday’s Dance” follows with a calmer approach of sublime beauty and soulful textures.
At the midpoint, “Icarus” lands in psychedelic friendly areas as the 3 guitars mesh with Yainer Horta’s keys and sax in a hazy sort of way, while “Nineveh” enters rock territory with the soaring guitar work and acrobatic drumming mesmerizing us in the album highlight.
Approaching the end, the festive landscape of “Espresso Bueno” unfolds like a Latin dance song that will get your body in motion, and “Amazing Grace” exits the listen with Sullivan as the sole guitarist on the gorgeous and dreamy finish that’s intimate in a very stirring fashion.
Ira passed away in 2020 at the age of 89, and these songs sure do pay homage to the legendary multi-instrumentalist and educator in very thoughtful and adventurous ways that capture his bebop prowess splendidly.
Travels well with: Eric Goletz- A New Light; The Chris Saunders Band- Dancing With The Widow St. James