Carol Robbins – Jazz Play
Artist: Carol Robbins
Title: Jazz Play
Label: Jazzcats
Catalog Number: 3710108977
Reviewed by Eddie Becton
Jazzwise, beyond the usual wind instruments, acoustic bass, piano, and drums, some instruments are underutilized. Rufus Harley (of all instruments, bagpipes!), Regina Carter (violin), Toots Thielemans (harmonica) and Alice Coltrane (harp) all demonstrate how their respective “axes” fit smoothly into jazz’s repertoire. Harpist Carol Robbins continues this tradition on her latest release, Jazz Play. Joined by an excellent cast of musicians, Robbins’ Jazz Play is indeed a gem of the highest order.
Jazz Play swings right out of the gate on Buddy’s Bite. Darek Oles’s smooth walking bass pattern lays the foundation while Steve Huffsteter’s melodious trumpet solo helps give the track its toe-tapping vibe. The accents and “chattering” techniques applied by Tim Pleasant (drums) are skillfully executed, guaranteeing that listeners will be snapping their fingers throughout the track.
Robbins, an astute tactician, utilizes her instrument in an unobtrusive manner, particularly on tracks such as Still Light and The Meaning of the Blues. The fluidity of her approach is also evident on the John Lewis composition, Skating in Central Park, where she elicits wonderful harmonies so effortlessly.
While Jazz Play plays host to several gems, the golden nugget, however, is The Cribbler. The band’s talents are most evident here, and oh do they shine! The wickedly delicious introductory lines by Oles and his interaction with Pleasant provide the backdrop before Sheppard kicks in with a haunting overlay. Shortly thereafter, the band moves into full throttle, again, swinging hard thanks to Sheppard.
Overall, Jazz Play is an excellent collage of tunes ranging from hard-swinging Buddy’s Bite to the oh-so-serene Luis Bonfa composition, Sambolero. If you think a harpist can’t swing, you’d better think again!
Track Listing: Buddy’s Bite/ O Grande Amor/ Still Light/ The Meaning of the Blues/ Darcy’s Waltz/ Tangier/ Emilia/ Don’t Look Back/ The Cribbler/ Skating in Central Park/ Sollevare/ I’m Old Fashioned/ Sambolero.
Personnel: Carol Robbins – harp; Larry Koonse – guitar; Bob Sheppard - tenor, soprano saxophones; Steve Huffsteter - trumpet, flugelhorn; Darek Oles – bass; Tim Pleasant –drums.