Let's Groove Tribute To Mel Torme

Albumbeschreibung

Pianist and composer Jimmy Amadie's struggle with a painful condition that affects his hands, wrist, and forearms limits his playing to a single session every few months, but it hasn't kept him from giving his all when he is ready to record. Joining him once more are alto saxophonist Phil Woods plus two-thirds of Woods' longtime rhythm section, bassist Steve Gilmore and drummer Bill Goodwin. Although his fifth CD salutes Mel Tormé, five of the tunes are originals that the singer never performed and were so new that none of the other musicians had a chance to see them prior to the session. Of course, the only practicing the composer did prior to recording them was in his mind, though his solos don't sound as if they are by a man in great pain. Amadie's "Let's Groove" is a snappy, upbeat opener, followed by his bluesy "Dark Shadow," which suggests a lonely stroll home late at night. "Blues for Ladie Sadie" is a delightful, brisk trio vehicle for the rhythm section alone, while "Roses Are for You My Love" is an emotional ballad that deserves lyrics, though Woods' expressive alto sax proves to be a great alternative. The three standards include a romp through "Lover, Come Back to Me" and a driving "What Is This Thing Called Love," along with "How Deep Is the Ocean," which begins with Amadie's poignant solo then picks up as Gilmore and Goodwin join him. It is a shame that Jimmy Amadie is not able to record more frequently (let along play live gigs), but there is never a wasted moment on this pair of rewarding studio sessions.
© Ken Dryden /TiVo