Danny Coots - Two Man Job - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

A sparkling pianist as well as a fine budding composer, Danny Grissett's star has been on the rise lately and he's a favorite accompanist to a growing body of leaders including trumpeters Jim Rotondi, Jeremy Pelt, and Tom Harrell. He returns for his third Criss Cross and moves past the trio to feature tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake, trombonist Steve Davis and newcomer Ambrose Akinmusire on trumpet. Grissett puts his stamp on all the material including updates on Herbie Hancock's InchKing CobraInch, and Monk's InchUgly BeautyInch. His originals are also cut from a regal cloth of originality, with bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Kendrick Scott responsive to the pianist's every move.

Drummer is joined by his sextet, on this new CD, great hard-bop with straight ahead tunes by Bud Powell, Tadd Dameron, Blue Mitchell+, recorded Oct 1992.

Jazz writer Zan Stewart calls vocalist Sandi Shoemake Inchone of the finest interpreters of jazz ballads anywhere.Inch on this, her second recording as a leader, she is backed by the West Coast Jazz Giants Andy Martin, trombone; Sam Most, flute; Charlie Shoemake, vibes & piano; Bruce Forman, guitar; Paul Kreibich, drums; with Luther Hughes and the late Bob Maize trading tracks on bass. The program includes InchA Rainy Night in Rio,Inch InchLover Come Back to Me,Inch InchSophisticated Lady,Inch InchI Have Dreamed,Inch InchI Only Have Eyes for You,Inch InchYou Better Go Now,Inch and five others.