Burney, Herman
bassmint music, 2011, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 17.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Classic
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: Bassist Herman Burney is hidden treasure in the jazz world though he is quite accomplished having performed with many popular acts including Nnenna Freelon, Freddy Cole, Cedar Walton, Wynton Marsalis and many others. Input this CD and you will quickly recognize his prowess. Herman’s precision on “Papa’s Folk Song” a solo effort, is excellent. That is just one of twenty selections that feature Burney with a wide cast of strong musicians. “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy… Percy” is dedicated to Percy Health and features pianist Joel Holmes, Reginald Cyntje (tb) and Warren Wolf (vibes). They play upbeat modern jazz as well as reflective ballads like “Low Country Sunset” a duo with Holmes and Burney. Cyntje again shines on “Delayed Gratification”. Several songs in the session reflect on Burney’s spiritual upbringing. We felt a warm presence in “Precious Lord Take My Hand”, a trio set with Holmes, Burney and Ron Kearns (as). “Hope For Tomorrow” features Herman with Gary Thomas (ts) in reference to President Obama. This is a fine performance and places Burney on par with the best in the business!
Publicist: Pankey
