Featured Artist: Roy Haynes Trio

CD Title: The Roy Haynes Trio featuring Danilo Perez & John Patitucci

Year: 2000

Record Label: Verve

Style: Straight-Ahead / Classic

Musicians: Roy Haynes (Drums), John Patitucci (Bass), Danilo Perez (Piano)

Review: Sometimes All-Star bands work, sometimes they don't. On rare occasion, they produce a masterpiece. Tip your hat, Roy Haynes has done it again. As the leader of this All-Star trio, Haynes propels them to amazing heights. Always searching for and finding creative fountains of youth, Roy will never be dated or stagnant. He is forever in the now and in the know. Although he could easily rest on his laurels, his wanderlust spirit refuses to slow down.

The creative juices are flowing on this recording and with good reason. Hooking up with Danilo Perez and John Patitucci marks the meeting of three great jazz spirits. The rapport between these musicians is astounding. Perez's style and energy, along with his arranging, create the atmosphere and mood of the sessions. Patitucci's bass work is virtuous and intense. Roy's drumming drives and inspires the group.

For all the newness the record exudes, it is a tribute of sorts. The songs are performed for the jazz masters that have crossed paths with the venerable Haynes, songs these masters wrote or performed. Two sets of beautiful music are on one disc. The studio set was recorded in New York, the live set in Haynes' native Boston. There is not a bad number on the entire disc.

Pat Metheny's "Questions and Answer" is a great vehicle for this group. The arrangement is very hip. In fact, the trio's identity is evident as the unique arrangements breath new life into each number. "Folk Song," written by Chick Corea, is another example of how good this group can be.

Moving to the live set, a great rendition of "Sippin' at Bells" is followed by my favorite selection on the disc, "Monk's Bright Mississippi." The trio gets into a serious groove on this track and is obviously having a good time doing it. Perez radiates beauty on the next number, "Prelude to a Kiss." The live set (and the disc) comes to a close with a Roy Haynes arrangement of "Green Chimneys." This one cooks, watch out for Roy!

Record Label Website: http://www.verveinteractive.com

Reviewed by: Bryan Zoran

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