" It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing"- Duke Ellington
On May 25th , 2002, drummer Charly Antolini turned 65 years old. So, what does an ageing Jazz drummer do to celebrate such a milestone ?- He plays a concert and leaves his audience wondering if there is some mistake as to his actual age.
Playing like a man at least 20 years his junior, Antolini and his quintet belt out some old school swing numbers in a new school fashion. Through 60 minutes divided into 8 tracks(according to the sleeve that is.There are actually 9 according to my DVD player), Jazz Power create some beautiful music together. There's nothing proggy or avant about these numbers. They're merely good toe-tapping swinging Jazz tunes like the kind your folks enjoyed. All 5 members are very proficient on their instrument of choice but the birthday boy particularly stands out. In the same vein as Jazz legends such as Buddy Rich , Antolini showcases amazing chops when asked to step in the limelight for a stellar solo during Flying Home(if the track listing is correct). Grinning from ear to ear as the sweat pours off him, he delivers a 'sit up and take notice' drum solo which would have rock fans nodding in approvement ( at least this one was).
Nothing really standout for the Jazz connoisseur, but none-the-less a solid 60 minutes of 'by-the-numbers' jazz by a strong combo. Could be a good introduction for the Jazz newbie who's just getting his feet wet and hasn't quite fully appreciated the full-blown squonking of the hard bop, avant, and free movements.
Track Listing
- Loose & Easy
- Hollywood Stamped
- I Wish I Love You
- Recado Bossa
- 'S Wonderful
- Makin Whoopee
- The Queen Is Mad
- Flying Home
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