Kent Miller Quartet, The: Minor Step

With the latest album from The Kent Miller Quartet titled Minor Step the band creates a joyous swinging romp through seven standards and four original compositions that will delight any jazz fan young or old.

For years Miller plied his trade as a bassist in New York City playing and recording with a host of artists before moving to the Washington, D.C. area where he continues to do the same. On the album he is joined by some fabulous players:

Benny Russell (tenor and soprano saxophone)
Darius Scott (piano)
Greg Holloway (drums and percussion)

The first track "Work Out", originally written by Hank Moberly, is just as the title implies a melodic swinging jazz tune with great ensemble play including a fabulous drum solo courtesy of Holloway. Sparkling piano fills, stellar bass workouts and an enriched feel good vibe highlights the Chamber's penned "Visitation". The Miller original title track begins with some inspired bass work before a soprano sax solo breaks through and a rollicking groove unfolds. The band's urgent playing is infectious and the ensuing piano solo adds another highlight. The quartet's penchant for fiery grooves is suspended in favour of the slow and sensual classic "My Foolish Heart" before turning up the fire for the propulsive Coltrane classic "Liberia" featuring dramatic builds of heightened urgency and another great groove. An interesting take on Parker's "My Little Suede Shoes" is another ear opener as only bass and drums weave their magic through the entire five plus minutes.

I can't imagine any fan of swinging jazz not enjoying this release. Minor Step is the obligatory mandatory purchase. Released on TNEK Jazz.

Track Listing:
1. Work Out (4:39)
2. Visitation (6:08)
3. Minor Step (7:33)
4. My Foolish Heart (6:26)
5. My Little Suede Shoes (5:25)
6. SOS (3:48)
7. Dexterity (6:49)
8. Liberia (6:00)
9. T'sup Cuz (6:30)
10. Sisters (9:06)
11. Brother Ray (3:42)

Added: November 9th 2017
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
Hits: 1618
Language: english

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