Rick Germanson Archive
Gerald Cannon – Combinations – Woodneck Records
Gerald Cannon – Combinations – Woodneck Records 66:27****: A pleasant mixture of precision and coolness (Gerald Cannon – bass; Gary Bartz – alto sax # 1,7,10; Sherman Irby – alto sax #2,4,5,6; Steve Slagle – alto sax #3; Jeremy Pelt – trumpet # 1,2,4,5; Duane Eubanks – trumpet #10; Rick Germanson – piano #1,3,4,6,7,9; Kenny Barron – piano #2,5,10; Russell Malone – guitar #3,7,8;,Willie Jones III – drums #1,2,3,4,5,6,9,10; Will Calhoun – drums #7) Gerald Cannon was last heard from as a leader of his own group in 2003 when he released the self-styled album Gerald Cannon. It’s not that he has been inactive in the intervening years, he has. He has taught at several universities and conservatories including the Oberlin Conservatory, the Wisconsin Conservatory, and was a faculty member of the Conservatory of Maastricht, The Netherlands. He has also recorded with drummer Willie Jones III, guitarist Russell Malone, and pianist Rick Germanson among others. In this cavalcade of musical styles and artists under the title Combinations, Cannon demonstrates his own versatility and that of his cohorts. Kicking things off with Slide Hampton’s “Every Man Is A King”, Cannon’s big-toned bass is in solo mode as this swinger takes shape. […]
Russell Malone – Time For The Dancers – High Note Records
Russell Malone – Time For The Dancers – High Note Records HCD 7305, 50:51 ****: Jazz guitarist shines on latest release! (Russell Malone – guitar; Rick Germanson – piano; Luke Sellick – double bass; Willie Jones III – drums) The third release on High Note from Russell Malone, Time For The Dancers features a talented quartet (Russell Malone/guitar; Rick Germanson/piano; Luke Sellick – bass and Willie Jones III/drums) to interpret a variety of compositions (some originals and a mix of jazz and pop numbers). Opening the album is the title track. First recorded in 1977 by The Roland Hanna Trio, the quartet gives it a unique take. Germanson starts off with a brief ethereal piano riff as the rhythm section joins in a fluid groove. Malone takes command instantly with his precise notation and well-timed grooves. At the 3:43 mark, Germanson solos with melodic, lyrical finesse.There is a 70’s feel to the guitar tones and it is appealing. The reverie changes quickly on “Leave It To Lonnie’. With elements of funk in the rhythm and a guitar which alternates between jagged and smooth, the jam (dedicated to bassist Lonnie Plaxico) is gritty and gives Malone an opportunity to flex his […]
Russell Malone, guitar – All About Melody – HighNote
Russell Malone – All About Melody – HighNote HCD7287, 50:20 ****: Russell Malone is a guitarist of subtlety and conviction. (Russell Malone – guitar; Rick Germanson – piano; Luke Sellick – bass; Willie Jones III – drums) BRussell Malone is a swinging fleet-fingered guitarist with a sentimental streak. The latest studio session from him entitled All About Melody displays his lyricism, and affinity with keeping the melody in the forefront of this no-frills session. Working with his usual cohorts, pianist Rick Germanson, bassist Luke Sellick, and drummer Willie Jones III, the band gives meaning to the whole enterprise that features an eclectic mixture of lesser-known numbers from the jazz and popular music archives. Freddie Hubbard’s “On The Real Side” establishes the band’s bona fides with a solid swinger. Drummer Jones III lays down a beat that gives both Malone and Germanson the freedom to roam at will with tight solos. The late great guitarist Jim Hall was both a friend and paragon of Malone’s. In this vein, he wrote “Message To Jim Hall” and offered a touching voice mail message from him “Message From Jim Hall”. As for the composition, it has a melancholy undercurrent, done in a calm style,with […]
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
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