Take a superb guitarist like Peter Hand, put him in the company of primo fellow jazzers like saxophonist Don Braden, trumpeter/flugelhornist Eddie Allen, pianists James Weidman or David Janeway, bassist Harvie S and drummer Steve Johns, bring in the tenor sax magic of Houston Person for a couple of tracks and you will get the kind of hip sounds that can be found on Blue Topaz(Whaling City Sound – 140). Seven of the nine selections are original tunes by Hand, while the other three are Freddie Hubbard’s “Little Sunflower” “One for My Baby” and Stevie Wonder’s “Lately,” the last two having Person lovingly caressing the tunes with support from Hand, Janeway, Harvie S and Johns. Braden on tenor sax for six cuts, flute and soprano sax for one each is a consummate reed player. Allen graces seven of the ten tracks with tasty and creative improvisations. Harvie S is one of those bass players who always finds the right notes, while Johns keeps things in a steady groove throughout. Blue Topaz, filled with well-conceived arrangements by Hand, is a welcoming listening experience from first note to last. (www.whalingcitysound.com)
Joseph Lang, Jersey Jazz February Issue
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