AMG
EXPERT REVIEW: For this fifth CD by veteran Chicago
trumpeter Lewis, the pre-requisite is that having a good time is why he
plays jazz, not the opposite. If you've ever heard Lewis live, you know
how infectious that lightheartedness can be. His bubbly, positive persona
is indelibly stamped on this set. And as the ultimate pied piper, Lewis
attracts like minded Chi-town talent. On this date you'll hear a core
group featuring his longtime keyboardist Jim
Ryan, melodic drummer Jeff
Stitely and the impressive saxophonist
Pat Mallinger. Frequenting tracks are percussionist Alejo Poveda
and guitarist Curtis Robinson, while cameos are made by trombonists Jim
Beebe and John Allred, clarinetist Chuck Hedges, percussionist Ruben
Alvarez, and on two selections, Singers
Unlimited icon Bonnie Herman.
Lewis
utilizes a Satchmo informed salty rich tone, especially on flugelhorn, and
it serves him well. He changes up on things stylistically from the popping
salsa of "Tanga" to the samba based "Saudade" (Walter
Booker's) and "The Monster & The Flower." His solid swing
and tuneful leads are prevalent on his modern mainstream originals
"Jasmine" and the title track, especially the latter tune, where
everyone gets a short solo, and piano and guitar trade fours. They're
having fun immediately! A pensive, pretty "Nalini" is dedicated
to an Air India flight attendant, while Ryan's romantic piano lead to
"Lady In The Moon" is a heart stopper.
Bobby
sings with Bonnie on "Just Friends, " but Bonnie's solo flight
on "Some Other Time" is living proof of her deft prowess. Lewis
also gets his kicks dragging around the Chicago Symphony's clarinet
section, backing Herman on "Friends." A laid back "Nature
Boy, " Lewis again on flugelhorn, and a rousing take of Wingy
Manone's "Strange Blues, " with Hedges & Beebe caps the set.
Lewis is soft in all the right places, and firm when he wants to get
swinging. It's an innate flexibility to adapt to different forms of jazz,
and his undeniable ability to get around his horn. But even more so he can
inspire others to do the same, and that has him held in high regard.
There
are many basic, enjoyable jazz tenets peppered throughout this CD that are
plenty good enough for the rest of us to join in, and laugh at this silly
life, right along with him. Recommended. --Michael
G. Nastos
