Bailey, Donald
Talking House, 2008, CD
Instrument: Drums
Issue: 14.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 3
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: Drummer Donald Bailey is one of Philadelphia’s lesser-known jazz legends. At 75 he continues to keep great time and leads this effort energetically. They open with “Plant Life” featuring Odeon Pope wailing on a raspy tenor sax. This is one of several compositions written by Pope. Tyrone Brown opens “Gone Now” with a cool bass solo that sets the tone of the tune. Pianist George Burton shines on “Blue Gardenia” with Odean playing the melody on harmonica. Pope stands out on this CD with his gruff sax tone. He smoothes out a bit on “For All We Know”, one of the best tracks. They hint at avant-garde in many instances but always remain in focus.
Publicist: Bloom Media Relations