Composer, musician and bandleader Michael Dease assembles a stellar cast in tribute to his mentor Roy Hargrove. The groove is first-rate, the sonics spectacular.
Primarily known as a leading composer and player of the trombone, Michael Dease began with the saxophone. His penchant for the baritone saxophone has led to the second of his eighteen releases with a focus on the sax.
He is joined by a highly talented supporting cast: trombonist Steve Davis, guitarist Jocelyn Gould, pianist Bill Cunliffe, bassist Rodney Whittaker, and drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. Special guests include Alex Acuna on percussion, Terell Stafford on trumpet, organist Jim Alfredson on organ, and Eli Howell and second trombone. The material: a tribute to Dease’s mentor Roy Hargrove. The result: Grove’s Groove, an album that travels the route from hard-swinging to easy listening, making for a memorable outing with spectacular sonics.
Notable is the deep fresh sound on display from the unusual combination of baritone sax and trombone. Dease is a magnificent player in his own right, and Steve Davis proves an adept companion on the stellar title track. Also worthy of mention is the considerable contribution of Rodney Whittaker on bass.
Bill Cunliffe provides sparkling piano throughout the set, while the jazz guitar of Jocelyn Gould proves a delightful surprise with her marvellous tone and thoughtful lead-ins. Gould also contributes two competent vocals in “Tea for Two” and “Never Let Me Go”.
The highlight for this listener (in addition to the sizzling title track) was “Seiko Time”, a Latin-flavored extended workout that featured the great percussion of Alex Acuna, punctuated by melodic sax lines and some very tasty guitar work from Jocelyn Gould, along with impeccable piano from Bill Cunliffe.
Eighteen albums in, Michael Dease has created a worthy discography, with Grove’s Groove a wonderful addition. Highly recommended.
