Lillard, Art
Summit, 2006, CD
Instrument: Drums
Issue: 12.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Swing
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: Drummer Art Lillard directs his large ensemble The Heavenly Band, on 13 jovial tunes, most of which he wrote and arranged as well. They all have a well-balanced rhythm and strong sense of swing. Most of the tracks are instrumentals but there are several that include vocals as well notably “You Can’t Win Blues” featuring Miles Griffith, “Incognito” and “Nonchalant” with Mary Foster Conklin. Art gives us a multitude of music across our Jazz Ruler . The band is tight – having been together for over 18 years. The best news is that it is fresh stuff and it comes together well, a lot of Reasons To Be Thankful!