Trumpeter and flugelhornist Jimmy Owens, an NEA Jazz Master, has gathered an outstanding septet to reinterpret the Thelonious Monk Songbook on The Monk Project, just released on IPO Recordings.This is Owens debut as a leader and he has the backing of fellow NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron at the piano, Wycliffe Gordon- trombone, Marcus Strickland- tenor sax, Howard Johnson- tuba and baritone sax, Kenny Davis-bass and Winard Harper-drums.Highlights include a Latin take on Well You Needn't, a gutbucket blues arrangement of Blue Monk and Let's Cool One arranged as a waltz with Owens playing flugelhorn. For more information the web site is www.iporecordings.com
Below, you'll find a compilation of all album reviews done by local KIOS jazz and blues staff.