O’Brien, Donnie
Arbors, 2004, CD
Instrument: Drums
Issue: 10.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Swing
Performance: 4
Sound: 4-
Score: 
O’s Notes: Arbors records is home to a great majority of the good ‘swing’ jazz that is recorded today. They have a group of artists who excel in this arena. Among them are drummer Donnie O’Brien who teams up with veterans John Bunch (p), Bucky and John Pizzarelli (g), Jay Leonhart (b) and Carmen Leggio (sax) for nine tunes carved In a Basie Mood. This is O’Brien’s debut as a leader and it is strong. You’ll be hard pressed not to tap your foot on songs like “I Never Knew” and “Moten Swing”. The musicians are relaxed enough to allow space for well-developed solos that have heart. Enjoyable!
