Derrick Gardner & The Jazz Prophets + 2 – Echoes of Ethnicity – Owl Studios 00129, 73:35 ****1/2:
(Derrick Gardner, trumpet and flugelhorn; Vincent Gardner, trombone; Rob Dixon, tenor sax; Rick Roe, piano; Gerald Cannon, bass; Donald Edwards, drums – +2 (Brad Leali, alto sax; Jason Marshall, baritone sax) – and special guests, Kevin Kaiser, percussion; Brandon Meeks, bass)
Boasting ten pieces when at full capacity, trumpeter Derrick Gardner and his Jazz Prophets boast a Jazz Messenger-like power. Gardner’s trumpet has the snap and ferocity that early Hubbard and Morgan had, and can be found later in Woody Shaw. Brother Vincent Gardner blows a mean trombone, and the other band members shine as well. The Gardners and Rob Dixon wrote nearly all the compositions, which have maturity and sheen that is impressive.
4Newk, their tribute to Sonny Rollins gives the horns a chance to mesh and pianist, Rick Roe, added for this date, has piano lines that complement this opening track. Drummer Edwards closes the tribute track with nice solo. Afros and Cubans blends straight jazz with Cuban percussion. Natural Woman is a showcase for Derrick’s lyrical side, and the other horns sweet backing brings romanticism to this track.
Mercury Blvd opens with the reeds playing counterpoint to Derrick’s horn and Jason Marshall and Vincent Gardner providing the bottom end. Roe’s piano fills in the spaces effectively when the horns lay out. Everyone seems to have a statement to make here.
Freddie Hubbard’s The Melting Pot is given a Latin treatment and the bassists add strong backing. Derrick shows his leader’s chops before the entire band hits the chorus and then breaks off to have their individual statements brought into the stew.
The well-known Autumn in New York begins with a classical-sounding horn blend before Derrick takes center stage. It’s a gorgeous ballad. Crystal Stair glistens with big band sophistication. The Blackamoor is still another vehicle where one band member after another steps up to contribute. One knockout solo after another shows the cohesiveness of this band’s talents.
Echoes of Ethnicity is advanced yet accessible post bop. Gary Mieke’s top notch engineering, mixing and mastering provide superb acoustics. Well-played jazz by a strong disciplined contingent of upcoming jazz prophets.
TrackList: 4Newk, Afros and Cubans, We Jazz June, Natural Woman, Mercury Blvd, The Melting Pot, Autumn in New York, Crystal Stair, The Blackamoor, Miss’ippi Man.
-Jeff Krow
