Recorded on November 8, 1976
Given the fact that Jim Knepper, Roland Hanna, and Dannie Richmond all worked in various bands led by Charles Mingus, it's not surprising that the music on Cunningbird bears the influenced of their former boss.
Al Cohn's tenor work was at its peak in the second half of the Seventies. Along with Knepper's distinctive trombone sound, they make a formidable front line. Plus, it's harder to imagine a more sympathetic rhythm section. Hearing Roland Hanna paired with George Mraz is always a pleasure.
Everything comes together perfectly on this SteepleChase session, making it one of of the finest straight-ahead sessions of the decade.
Jimmy Knepper offers a different approach to playing the trombone, one that differs from the dexterity of JJ Johnson or the showmanship of Wycliffe Gordon. Knepper is a wry and understated voice; Mingus was wry but rarely understated. The Cunningbird album consists of all Knepper compositions, and song titles like Languid and Noche Triste betray a darker but fascinating side of jazz. The band is first rate and generally sympathetic with the material, although Cohn often dances happily over the somber themes. It works!
ReplyDeleteAfter acquiring a taste for Knepper's approach, listeners should investigate 3 other albums:
First Place, 1982, BlackHawk
I Dream Too Much, 1984, Soul Note
Dream Dancing, 1986, Criss Cross