Gary McFarland Legacy Ensemble
Piano Arts, 2015, CD
Instrument: Instrumental
Issue: 21.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Swing
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: Vibraphonist and composer Gary McFarland is perhaps an obscure name even in knowledgeable jazz circles as much as his premature death at 38 was in 1971, the result of methadone poisoning in a NYC bar. Up to that time McFarland enjoyed flashes of brilliance with Ellington, Hodges, Mulligan and many others. In 1981 Gary’s widow married drummer Michael Benedict, the leader of this ensemble. Benedict celebrates McFarland’s work in a big way on Circulation. Joe Locke shines on vibes with Sharel Cassity (sax), pianist Bruce Barth and bassist Mike Lawrence. This is a strong team that brings McFarland’s genius into the forefront in 2015. There are many highlights including our favorite “Sandpiper”.
Publicist: Jazz Promo Services
