The Blue Note 7: And They're Off

Although the Blue Note 7 have recorded one album, the little time they have spent as a unit is out of proportion to the ensemble's spirit and unified sound. Introducing Lee Morgan's "Party Time," pianist Bill Charlap talked about the importance of the blues in Blue Note's history and in the development of jazz. Then, with his customary taste and power, he proceeded to demonstrate. Trumpeter Nicholas Payton summoned up Morgan in his solo and worked through edgy harmonic ideas that alto saxophonist Steve Wilson developed through six choruses of story-telling improvisation. Peter Washington followed with the first of several impressive bass solos. The all-stars played to an audience so knowledgeable and receptive that the mere mention of a tune's composer - "Joe Henderson," "Jackie McLean," "Freddie Hubbard" -- brought applause and cheers. 

Among the highlights: Payton and drummer Lewis Nash playing off one another's energy on Hubbard's "Hub Tones;" guitarist Peter Bernstein's brilliant solo on the same piece; Wilson's soulfulness in McLean's "Ballad for Doll;" the virtuosity and humor in Nash's long solo on Cedar Walton's "Mosaic;" the layered Renee Rosnes arrangement and tenor saxophonist Ravi Coltrane's joyful phrases in Wayne Shorter's "United;" Charlap's consistently authoritative playing throughout, at a peak on Kenny Dorham's "Escapade." The encore was sandwiched between two standing ovations. 

With decades of musical material to draw on, writing for the ensemble a continuing adventure for all hands and more bus time together than any band has had since the swing era, it's going to be fascinating to hear how this group has grown when they get off the road in New York in April. By the time you read this, they have played at The Shedd in Eugene, Oregon and are headed down Interstate 5 to California. Check their itinerary to see if it includes your town or one near it. This is a band more than worth hearing.