One4J: Paying Homage to J.J. Johnson

One4J: Paying Homage to J.J. Johnson

ASIN: B000088EAA

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The late, great trombonist J.J. Johnson transplanted Charlie Parker's bop language to his instrument, and in the process became one of the most gifted composers in jazz. And Steve Turre, whose résumé includes work with Rahsaan Roland Kirk and the Saturday Night Live Band, is one of Johnson's most devoted disciples. This CD spotlights Johnson's compositions, and it includes an all-star cadre of trombonists, featuring Joe Alessi, Robin Eubanks, Steve Davis, Douglas Purviance, and Andre Hayward. Turre and his bone brothers illuminate Johnson's best-known works, including the beautifully textured "El Camino Real" and the wistful "Enigma," a heartfelt duet with Turre and Johnson's pianist Renee Rosnes. The leader's title track rings with Johnson's ebullient swing and fluid improvisations. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Tracks:

Overdrive
Wee Dot
Lament
One 4 J
Mr. Johnson
Short Cake
Kelo
What Is This Thing Called Love?
El Camino Real
Enigma
Minor Blues

Amazon.com

The late, great trombonist J.J. Johnson transplanted Charlie Parker's bop language to his instrument, and in the process became one of the most gifted composers in jazz. And Steve Turre, whose résumé includes work with Rahsaan Roland Kirk and the Saturday Night Live Band, is one of Johnson's most devoted disciples. This CD spotlights Johnson's compositions, and it includes an all-star cadre of trombonists, featuring Joe Alessi, Robin Eubanks, Steve Davis, Douglas Purviance, and Andre Hayward. Turre and his bone brothers illuminate Johnson's best-known works, including the beautifully textured "El Camino Real" and the wistful "Enigma," a heartfelt duet with Turre and Johnson's pianist Renee Rosnes. The leader's title track rings with Johnson's ebullient swing and fluid improvisations. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2006-08-29

I thik this album holds a wide variety of playing on it, as well as a great example of musicianship. The songs are Steve Turre's tribute to JJ, which is better than just doing a copuy of JJ's playing. I think for musicians, tunes like Wee Dot and Waht is this thing called Love? really show off some great modern trombone playing and are therefore great for transcribing (Wee Dot is perfect, Four Great trombone players playing blues in four different keys, awesome. The only complaint i have is that i would like to a have heard more players. Wycliffe Gordon, Fred Wesley, and Slide Hampton (though he was ill during the time of the recordings) would have added to this album so much.

Mixed Feelings.......2005-06-29

As a life-long J.J. Johnson fan (my very first jazz album was "Proof Positive"), this album created mixed feelings in me. While I appreciated the incredible musicianship of all involved, I was also very aware of the absence of J.J.s playing on this CD. Of all involved, Steve Turre seemed best able to put his own personality into these tracks. Joe Alessi also plays some great lead trombone, which adds a nice texture to this CD. To me, this CD sounds like J.J. in the 1980's and '90's, as opposed to his work in the '50's and early '60's, which is my preference. Not bad, but probably not going to be on my "favorites" list.

A heartfelt tribute.......2004-05-15

Steve Turre pays tribute from a well-informed vantage point: he played with J.J. (on the recent Brass Orchestra CD) as well as idolized him. At the height of his own powers of dexterity, taste and musical ideas, Turre puts everything he's got into these renditions, utilizing some incredible sidemen (and women-- check out Rene's playing!) in the process. A well-balanced program gives us the many sides of J.J., a true musical artist who left us all too soon. Highly recommended.

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