Allison, Ben
Palmetto, 2004, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 10.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 3
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: Bassist Ben Allison performs seven new compositions that all have a fresh neobop feel. Michael Blake (sax), Ted Nash (sax, flute) and Clark Gayton (tb) make up the horn section. The layering of the brass is excellent and the power is easily felt. Drummer Michael Sarin and pianist Frank Kimbrough also do a fine job in bringing Allison’s visions to musical reality. Ben brings his bass to the forefront with a cool solo on “Mauritania” and lays down a funky anchor on “Green Al”. The Medicine Wheel is in tact and working well.
