Joe Chambers – Composer

CD Review: http://kenfrancklingjazznotes.blogspot.com/

CDs of Note… Ken Franckling’s Jazz Notes

Joe Chambers, Horace to Max (Savant)

Drummer Joe Chambers has found a way to tip his hat to a range of classic and contemporary jazz composers, and showcase his under-acknowleged mallet playing on this project. And he brought a splendid team along for the ride: tenor player Eric Alexander, pianist Xavier Davis and bassist Steve Berrios, with pianist Helen Sung, bassist Dwayne Burno and bassist Richie Goode subbing on the Max Roach/Abbey Lincoln tune “Lonesome Lover.” Nicole Guiland adds vocals to that track and Roach’s clever “Mendacity.” My favorites: their takes on “Mendacity,” Horace Silver’s “Ecaroh,” Chambers’ own “Afreeka” and Marcus Miller’s “Portia,” which was one of Miles Davis’s finest late-career recordings. I particularly like Alexander’s interplay with Chambers when the leader takes to the vibes and marimba.