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Notes:
Mention Indianapolis, and chances are good that eight out of ten people will associate the central Indiana city with motor sports, or sports in general (lest we forget about the Indianapolis Colts or Indiana Pacers). For an ardent, longtime jazz fan, Indy brings to mind some of the mighty-talented musicians who were raised and cut their musical teeth there, including brothers Wes, Buddy and Monk Montgomery, Slide Hampton, J.J. Johnson, David Baker, Freddie Hubbard and Melvin Rhyne to name but a few.
The list ought to begin with 1940s and Î50s piano player Erroll Grandy, who was considered the cityĖs founding father of jazz. A listen or two to Dragonfly will ensure you also add pianist-composer Steve Allee to the top-of-mind Indy jazz roster.
Dragonfly is AlleeĖs sixth national jazz release as a leader, and the second CD in as many years from AlleeĖs trio with bassist Bill Moring and drummer Tim Horner, who were also featured on 2007Ės Colors. While this is a relatively new player combination, their relationships and history helped them gel into a cohesive, empathetic musical voice. Saxophonists Rich Perry and Rob Dixon are special guests on select tracks.
From start to finish, Dragonfly makes it clear that this is a band in which each of the players finds their interaction to be exhilarating. Much like the vivid imagery Steve captured from the bus ride through Belize, this trio is all about making the most of the journey Ō as the best jazz should. (taken from liner notes by Ken Frankling)
Artist Roster:
Steve Allee: Piano
Bill Moring: Bass
Tim Horner: Drums
Rich Perry: Saxophone
Rob Dixon: Saxophone
Track Listing:
1. Bus To Belmopan
2. Dragonfly
3. Somewhere
4. Yummy
5. Morning Glory
6. X & Y
7. Conversation with Bill
8. Thaddeus
9. If I Were A Bell
10. Hip Factor
Reviews:
Well played sounds for real musos, the trio sends up enough joyful noise on itĖs own that you have everything you need right here. Everyone gets a chance to shine in this driving, engaging collection that covers a lot of jazz ground as it makes itĖs journey. Spiritually connected to Vince Guaraldi jazz but without the California vibe, this is right in the pocket throughout. - MidwestReview.com
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