Cohen, Emmet: Masters Legacy Series Volume 1

Emmet Cohen is a highly acclaimed young pianist. Jimmy Cobb is a legendary drummer best known for his work on the classic Miles Davis album Kind of Blue released in 1959. When you put the two together you get Masters Legacy Series Volume 1, recorded live in front of a studio audience on March 16, 2016 at The DiMenna Center in New York City. This is the first album in The Masters Legacy Series, started by Cohen with the intent on paying tribute to iconic jazz musicians of the past. Joining Cohen and Cobb are Yasushi Nakamura (acoustic bass) and Godwin Louis (alto saxophone on tracks 5 and 10).

Hopefully there will be many more releases in the series as the first is certainly an impressive statement. The album is a mixture of Cohen originals and some thoughtfully chosen classics.

At times Cobb is at the center of the action, especially on the grooving "On The Trail". Some great piano and drum interaction on this one. Both players are up to the challenge, getting almost ferocious at times all the while at their melodic best. The bass is also highlighted with a great solo. Really, this is nine minutes of scintillating jazz and the audience was certainly appreciative of the talent. The classic "Two Bass Hit" is another urgent number where the ivories and skins get one hell of a workout and to top it off Cobb lays down a fantastic solo. After the fiery musicianship of the first three tracks the band gets sentimental with the lovely ballad "When I Fall In Love", the album's only mellow piece. "Mr. Robinson" is another fine track featuring a cascading piano intro and combining breezy sentiment with a stellar ensemble jam.

The melodies, the playing, the nod to a classic era, it all comes together beautifully. Jazz fans will not want to miss out on this one.

Track Listing:
1. On The Trail (6:49)
2. Tin Tin Deo (9:01)
3. Two Bass Hit (5:13)
4. When I Fall In Love (6:01)
5. Folk Song (7:55)
6. Interlude (2:14)
7. Flamingo (5:53)
8. If This Isn't Love (6:04)
9. Mr. Robinson (8:29)
10. Hard Times (7:30)
11. Concerto For Cobb (5:09)

Added: March 24th 2017
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
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Language: english

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