Requisites

Evidence ~ Vincent Herring | By Eddie Carter

This next choice from the library is by alto saxophonist Vincent Herring who I first heard at the 1992 Atlanta Jazz Festival as a member of The Nat Adderley Quintet. Their performance was a highlight of the AJF, and Herring’s solos were breathtaking throughout the set, mesmerizing the crowd. Evidence (Landmark Records LLP-1527) is his second album as a leader, and accompanying him are Wallace Roney on trumpet, Mulgrew Miller on piano, Ira Coleman on bass, and Carl Allen on drums. My copy used in this report is the 1991 Swiss Digital Stereo pressing.

Side One opens with Mr. Wizard by Vincent and Larry Willis, swinging from the outset with an invigorating theme statement. Wallace takes off first driven by jet propulsion, followed by an energetic workout by Vincent. Mulgrew speaks last with a fierce intensity preceding an exuberant closing chorus and abrupt ending. The mood moves to a slower tempo for a beautiful rendition of I Sing a Song by Tex Allen. This tune opens showing grace and politeness with a Bossa-Nova beat on the melody. Roney begins with a seductively appealing performance, the altoist delivers a sublimely beautiful reading next. Miller’s closing presentation is an equal mix of elegance, poignancy, and warmth. Stars Fell on Alabama, the 1934 jazz standard by Frank Perkins and Mitchell Parish is a touching tribute to Cannonball Adderley who recorded it on Cannonball Adderley Quintet in Chicago (1959). Vincent opens the soloing with a sweet lyricism like a rare vintage wine that’s mellowed with age. Mulgrew adds a richly evocative romanticism to the finale matched by Ira and Carl’s tender interplay.

Voyage by Kenny Barron is the Side One finale with a lively, uptempo beat by the quintet on the opening chorus. Herring solos first with a captivating interpretation.  Roney bursts into the next reading with a blazingly hot attack of electrically charged energy. Miller takes the final spot for an effervescent statement into the reprise and ending. Never Forget is Herring’s second contribution to the album and a very pretty ballad by Vincent expressing a voluptuous richness on the opening chorus and affectionate intimacy on the lead solo. Mulgrew gives a vivid example of his ability to communicate something special by caressing each phrase of the closing reading, making it truly distinctive and memorable for a deeply satisfying performance.

Evidence was written by Thelonious Monk in 1948, this jazz standard was first recorded as a single, and later on Milt Jackson and The Thelonious Monk Quintet (1955). The quintet starts with a happy groove exhibited in the opening statement by Herring showing a remarkable maturity beyond his age. Roney takes over in fine spirits and exceptional form on the second solo. Miller comes in next for an equally inspired reading.  Carl shares the finale with all three soloists before the ensemble’s exit. Soul-Leo by Mulgrew Miller begins with a joyous medium theme. Wallace delivers tremendous excitement on the first solo. Vincent continues with an infectious groove next, then Mulgrew provides the summation ahead of a few closing comments by Vincent into the close.

The engineer on Evidence is Paul Goodman who has a large discography of notable jazz albums for Atlantic, Cobblestone, Elektra Musician, MPS Records, Muse Records, Onyx Records, Prestige, RCA Victor, and Xanadu. The digital mastering is by George Horn who also has a lengthy resume of albums at Fantasy Studios, and his own company, George Horn Mastering. The quality of this digital recording is splendid with a natural soundstage surrounding your listening chair with sweet sounds. In his closing remarks of the liner notes, producer Orrin Keepnews described Vincent Herring as “a force to be reckoned with in the world of jazz”. I agree with his statement and will only add that Vincent’s playing is indeed a satisfying experience supporting the Evidence found in the seven selections on this album!

~ Cannonball Adderley Quintet in Chicago (Mercury Records MG 20449/SR 60134), Evidence (Blue Note 549), Milt Jackson and The Thelonious Monk Quintet (Blue Note BLP 1509/BST 81509) – Source: Discogs.com
~ Stars Fell on Alabama – Source: JazzStandards.com
© 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

More Posts: ,,,,,,,,

© Notorious Jazz 2024