Allen, Carl & Rodney Whitaker
Mack Avenue, 2009, CD
Instrument: Instrumental
Issue: 15.2
Jazz Ruler Type: R&B+Jazz
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: This is the sophomore recording for bassist Whitaker and drummer Allen on Mack Ave. They pack a solid punch into a program that is straight-ahead jazz but with a solid dose of soul/R&B. They open swinging hard on the title track featuring Kirk Whalum on sax. They mix originals with jazzy modifications of tunes from The Isley’s, Lennon & McCartney and Marvin Gaye. Guitarist Rodney Jones and Whalum share the melody on “What’s Going On”, one of many highlights. Vincent Herring (sax), Brandon Lee (t), Doc Robinson (B3) and George Colligan (p) round out an excellent band. We also liked “Eleanor Rigby”, the mellow “With You I’m Born Again” and the cool vibe of “Relativity”.
Publicist: D. L. Media
