Strong, Al
Al Strong, 2016, CD
Instrument: Trumpet
Issue: 23.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: Trumpeter and bandleader Al Strong swings hard on“Love Strong. The North Carolina native assembles a strong team including pianist Lovell Bradford and Jeremy “BEAN” Clemons (d) for his debut recording. It’s a combination of ten ballads and vibrant burners spanning traditional and new jazz concepts. Strong, Chuckey Robinson (organ) and Buford Thompson Jr. (sax) composed six of the ten selections. They“transform several classics including “My Favorite Things” and even make “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” into a cool jazz tune! Strong’s leadership is inclusive notably on “CI’s Blues”. The funkified take of “Blue Monk” is sure to attract the contemporary jazz crowd. Keep your eyes open for this man who is sure to be generating greatness.
Publicist: Jazz Promo Services
