By Ric Bang
Buy CD: Emmet Cohen Featuring Jimmy Cobb
Jazz
connoisseurs and/or senior citizens are most likely to be familiar with Jimmy
Cobb. He was born back in 1929, which makes him a senior senior citizen; he also was the drummer in Miles Davis’ most
famous group.
Emmet
Cohen, a contemporary pianist, composer and teacher, has created a “Master Legacy Series” that features famed jazz
artists. This album, honoring Cobb, is his first release.
Cobb
has a huge discography: During his more than 70 years of performing, he has
worked and recorded with dozens of instrumental and vocal jazz greats. As one
would expect, he also has performed hundreds of tunes from the Great American
Songbook, along with countless classic jazz charts. This release is limited to
11 tracks, but they’re all choice. One, “Concerto for Cobb,” is a Cohen
original.
The
basic configuration is a trio: Cohen (piano), Yashushi Nakamura (bass) and Cobb (drums).
Alto saxophonist Godwin Louis guests on two tracks. It’s an excellent unit.
Cohen
is a comprehensive pianist; he covers all styles. He’s modern, but not a
bopper; his touch is superb and gentle. Nakamura keeps a smooth steady beat,
and also is a marvelous and inventive soloist. As for Cobb, he remains one of
the tastiest swingers you’ve ever heard. He drives any group with which he plays,
but never overplays.
This tribute to Cobb marks
a solid beginning for Cohen’s Master Legacy Series. I look forward to more.
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