ILLINOIS JACQUET
The Blues: That's Me!
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Recorded in 1969, The Blues: That's Me features the Texas tenor Illinois Jacquet in excellent form playing rhythm and blues, bop, and swing with a fine band consisting of Wynton Kelly (one of my favorite pianist), Tiny Grimes (guitar), Buster Williams (bass), and Oliver Jackson (drums). Jacquet's 64-bar solo on Lionel Hampton's 1942 recording of "Flying Home" established him as a top improvisational tenor.

This cd is a wonderfully creative and energetic group effort. However, when Jacquet solos, he steals the show with his deep tenor sound that has been described quite accurately as "honking". His sound is lusty and raucous, perfect for the blues. The opening track, "The Blues: That's Me," was written by guitarist Grimes and features a poignant guitar introduction followed by Kelly's blues-drenched piano solo. It's a full three and one half minutes before Jacquet is even heard on his own recording. But his strong, blistering tenor immediately rivets one's attention and refuses to let go. Jacquet renders a hot, inspired version of "Everyday I Have The Blues," the song made famous by B.B. King. In addition, his interpretation of "'Round Midnight" on bassoon is astonishingly effective and evocative.

I highly recommend The Blues: That's Me for all jazz and rhythm and blues lovers. The music is passionate, the playing exceptional, and the aural enjoyment endless.

© 2000 - Ron Saranich