CJS Quintet – Let's Play
Artist: CJS Quintet
Title: Let's Play
Label: Concept Sound Music
By Eddie Becton
Ready... set... Let'Play! No, this isn't the roar of an Olympic track meet judge. It is, however, the title of the CJS Quintet's latest release on the Concept Sound Music label. Analogously, this disc, from its first note, zooms out of the block. The title indicates the band is ready to do just that... and indeed they do!
After listeners recoup from the breakneck toe-tapping tempo of Let's Play, the CJS Quintet executes a Houdini-like act by slowing things wayyyyy down on the melodious track, Boss Waltz. Boss Waltz is indicative of the band's ability to create colorful harmonies and, thanks to Wendell Williams's walking bass pattern and Anthony Davis's light touch on drums, appealing, airy tones. But, it is the band's overall cohesion that makes this track one of the disc's best.
Another gem on the disc includes Subtle Intensity. The track opens nostalgically and quickly moves into a gently swaying melody. The congruence of James Smith (trumpet), Al Daniels (piano), and Wendell Williams (bass) on the intro allows Smith to move into a soulful, passionate solo accompanied by intermittent piano comps by Daniels. Not to be ignored, Johnson moves into a mellifluous solo that adds to the overall calming effect of the tune. This is arguably the band's most lyrical track, but certainly not the only.
On Buster's Dance, Daniels dons the keyboard instead of the piano. The effect is akin to the deliciously tempting notes reminiscent of iconic pianist/keyboard and musical wizard Chick Corea. Adding to the beauty of this track is Smith's muted trumpet that conjures up visions of the lyrical acuity of Miles Davis. If listeners' ears begin to dance while thinking of the Davis and Corea years, Buster's Dance will surely remind them that there is certainly a place for the keyboard in hard-swinging jazz.
Overall, Let's Play is an assortment of well-chosen tunes bound to move listeners, creating various moods, tempos, and textures. For listeners who have not acquired this disc, perhaps the title of the disc will be transformed to Let's Get It, suggesting that if you do not have this disc, perhaps it is time to run out and get it! Ready... set...
Track Listing: Speak Low/ Boss Waltz/ If I Should Lose You/ Let's Play/ Ballad Medley; Buster's Dance/ You Said It/ Star Eyes/ Subtle Intensity/ Just Friends
Personnel: Chuck Johnson – soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones; James Smith – trumpet; Al Daniels – piano and keyboards; Wendell Williams – acoustic bass; Anthony Davis – drums.