Hart, Billy
High Note, 2006, CD
Instrument: Drums
Issue: 12.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 3
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: Veteran drummer Billy Hart sometimes disappears into the background just keeping time. He moves more into the forefront with his quartet allowing you to hear his contribution more clearly. As he does, we quickly recognize that he is not just keeping time; he is an integral element of the quartet, a strong voice with a message to convey. The band had its roots as pianists Ethan Iverson’s trio and evolved to include bassist Ben Street and Mark Turner on sax. As Billy asserted himself, he became the unanimous leader. The music is a combination of bebop and a bit of avant-garde with Coltrane’s “Moment’s Notice” pushing into free space. Our favorites are “Iverson’s Odyssey”, “Neon” and “Mellow B”, the latter two showcasing Hart.
Publicist: Jazz Depot
