Tribune Review

Trombonist Nelson Harrison should have named his show at the Cabaret Theater, Downtown, "Jam Session" instead of "Horn Section."

The April 15 concert that was part of the Jazz Appreciation Month celebration did not show the cohesion, clever arrangements or sonority that a "section" would produce. Instead, it simply was a group of five horn players jamming jazz classics such as "Blue Bossa" or "Our Delight."

That didn't make the show unenjoyable, but it was easily the weakest of the series of five concerts that continues this evening. Saxophonist Lou Stellute got a big hand for his energetic solo on "Blue Bossa," but, most often, the responses simply were polite.

That made sense. The solos from the group also featuring trumpeter Chuck Austin, trombonist Al Dowe and alto sax player Hosea Taylor seldom showed passion or inspiration.

Drummer Roger Humphries was the standout. naturally, to a rhythm section that also featured bassist Virgil Walters, pianist Max Leake and guitarist Gerald Haymon.

-- Bob Karlovits

Beautifully said, Howie! You should be a music critic! ... but only if it didn't take time away from your own fabulous music... I'm sorry I missed this show! All the best

Anne

I fell in at Cj's on the Strip. Havent enjoyed myself as much...in quite a while..Plenty of cars in the lot..and within 30 minutes, the room was full!

Humphries: In complete command. If you can play, he'll MAKE you play better.. He called some great tunes, and everybody fell into it Unrehersed...as it has to be... to be ...jazz. To refer to Roger as a timekeeper, is a complete oversight. He plays just a little ahead..his cymbal accents right there and just a little ahead...so the band never "drags"...even after 3 or 4 sets. He's the only percussionist who PLAYS THE TUNE! He's another soloist! The very best in town...and can play with ANYBODY.

Dolphin..Just the best in town. Knows all the changes and plays all the halves..in between...up and down. Outta the old school..but very hip. The guys out front just in case they stray, just gotta listen to Dwayne bangin those changes and they can't help just followin him thru...just in case they have a little melody lapse. And its so effortless. Don't want to hear him on FENDER..he belongs on UPRIGHT!!!

Leake played better than I've heard him in a while Heard him last month with Negri, just doin the hotel thing...and his chord progressions weren't up to Joe. A much easier venue with Negri, I would think...not like havin' to lay down all the bop-changes as with Humphries group...especially with three heavy hitters blowin 3-4-5 solos on some great, be-bop things. So...a pretty big plus for Max. The changes in the tunes were just great, and Leake could hear and execute, pretty damned well.

Stellutte...was Stellutte. Heard him once...you've, heard all of him. Old school...all emotion...a crowd pleaser... and seemingly, never tires! A good steady...fairly predictable player..if you ...also...know the tune.

Moore: The young kid, on trumpet, who teaches at WVA (some small college). Always impresses me..Strong, forward thinking blower...He doesnt play black, but he's avante garde, knows the tunes and can solo however long you like...without boring the listener/ He reminds me of Joe Mags...a little. To his credit..he doesnt copy..he's himself, and impressive.

Don Aliquo, Jr...the piece d'resistance. Blew me away. I mentioned to Aliquo Sr and wife...if that was my son up there..I'd be totally incorrigible...with pride. Probably have to run me outta town. This kid...well, he's so fresh with ideas and interp. He can play with anybody. Him and stellutte side by side...what a contrast. they complement one another...in approach. Their "battle" is a ball...but...Aliquo teaches to a body of PhDs...Masters degree musicians...while...Stellutte teaches...lets say, the BA level players. I just had the feeling...one could learn something, from WHAT HE LEAVES OUT!!! With Stellutte one hopes the emotion makes an impression on the student...but I still maintain...you cant teach...heart. And, Stellutte is all heart.

Aliquo just left me for dead...and I had to tell him so. He can't get much better. I'd love to have had you on the stand. The guys I've heard you with..dont PUSH you...CANT push you...so the real Harrison doesnt get a chance to come all the way thru. Had you been on the stand with Humph- Dwayne..and Aliquo...You'd have been carried back to older days. What a gas!

Later, Donny, the be-bop fanatic