Jimmy Knepper

Veteran trombonist Jimmy Knepper has led relatively few recording sessions, but this 1979 studio date is well worth acquiring. Knepper brought his own arrangements to the studio for his pickup group of European musicians to play, and all went well throughout the session. Flügelhornist Eddie Engels and tenor saxophonist Dick Vennik are great foils for the leader's matchless trombone, especially in his sizzling opener, "Tell Me." The sassy "Brewery Boys Blues" and "Nearer My God in G" (a waltz which reworks the old hymn "Nearer My God to Thee") are also originals by Knepper. Since Jimmy Knepper appeared on many of Charles Mingus' best-known recordings, the inclusion of the late bassist's gospel-flavored "Ecculusiastics" should be no surprise. Also included are two very lyrical takes of the standard "I Thought About You," both of which feature Knepper with pianist Floris Nico Bunink in a duo setting. Recommended. ~ Ken Dryden, Rovi