Cantaloupe Island
Jazz Avenue 1, 2023
9/10
The world renowned bassist Leon Lee Dorsey takes up company with Russell Malone and Mike Clark for these 9 interpretations of songs by names we all know, and the songs sound just as radiant under the vision of this trio.
The title track opens the listen with Malone’s spirited guitar amid the punchy drums and warm bass lines in the stylish jazz climate of the Herbie Hancock piece, and Horace Silver’s “Barbara” follows with the rhythm section providing a very cozy mood for the swirling guitar playing.
In the middle, “Bumpin’ On Sunset”, by Wes Montgomery, does indeed bring an energy you could dance to with its playful rhythm, while “The Very Thought Of You” finds an intimate place to reside with its soft and reflective tone populating the Ray Noble classic.
The last 2 tracks are the best, where “Listen To The Dawn” illustrates a very meticulous dynamic between the trio in a dreamy fashion, and “The Thumb”, a Wes Montgomery original, exits with a crisp and, later on, a more firm presence of adventurous jazz prowess.
This is Dorsey’s 6th collaboration with Malone and Clark since 2019, and let’s hope that prolific streak continues, cause the chemistry they share is undeniable and their delivery flawless.
Travels well with: Vince Ector’s Organatomy Trio +- Live @ The Side Door; Septology- The Black Forest Session