Morrie Louden

Bassist Morrie Louden's second CD is a diverse affair, utilizing a constantly shifting group of musicians which includes pianist Edward Simon, saxophonists Bob Sheppard and Seamus Blake, guitarist Lionel Loueke and a host of others. The tense post-bop vehicle "Verbatim" showcases Simon, Sheppard (on tenor sax) and the leader to good effect. "Supposition" is a lovely melancholy ballad featuring flugelhornist Alex Sipiagin. Several large ensemble tracks feature Gil Goldstein's horn charts, including the brisk samba "Tunamo" and the driving Latin-flavored cooker "Mr. Frump" (which Louden dedicates to a grumpy rich man who used to lose lots of money gambling while expressing his displeasure to the band). Louden's multi-faceted mini-suite "Time Piece" is an intricate Latin composition that grows on the listener with each hearing. Thelonious Monk Vocal Jazz Competition winner Gretchen Parlato adds background colors to several numbers and adds effective Portuguese vocals to "Insenzatez" and "A Rosa." Highly recommended! ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide