Prince, Mark
Contour, 2008, CD
Instrument: Drums
Issue: 14.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score:
O’s Notes: Drummer Mark Prince leads a band including bassist Michael Bowie and Federico Gonzalez Pena on piano and keyboards. They play eleven new compositions, all written by Prince. David Merlin-Jones (s sax) and Alvin White (g) lead the way on “Abena’s Last Stand” a cool fusion tune that swings in the bridge. Geno Young sings the sole vocal track “August”, a romantic ballad. They repeat it as an instrumental with David J. White (sax) handling the melody. It works well both ways! “The Grind” is a slow blues instrumental followed by the upbeat cooker “Gnosis” with Bowie walking through the changes with a prominent bass line. White softens the groove of “Quiet Thoroughfare” this time with his flute. Our favorite was “Symph. No. 5” featuring Greg Boyer (tb) along with Mark’s syncopated beats. Prince has a lot to say and uses a broad vocabulary to express himself resulting in a rich, enjoyable session.
Publicist: Kari-On Productions