HANK CRAWFORD
Roadhouse Symphony (Original Jazz Classics)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Recorded in 1985 and remastered this year, Roadhouse Symphony is full of solid Rhythm and Blues. Hank Crawford learned his craft while playing with such Blues luminaries as B.B. King, Bobby Bland, Ike Turner, and Ray Charles. On this disc, Crawford, the session leader, showed that he had learned his lessons well, displaying a soulful, emotional, and down-and-dirty sound on his alto saxophone. He was joined by Dr. John on piano and vocal, Melvin Sparks on guitar, Wilbur Bascomb. JR.. on bass, Bernard Purdie on drums, Randy Brecker and Alan Rubin on trumpets, Howard Johnson on baritone saxophone, Houston Person on tenor saxophone, and David "Fathead" Newman on tenor and alto Saxophones.

The group played 5 original numbers, one ballad, and one spiritual. The sound of the recording was excellent, and the band tight and together; consummate Blues professionals. However, I listened to Roadhouse Symphony while doing household chores. While working, I kept waiting for Crawford and his mates to kick it into overdrive, grab my attention, and force me to sit down and listen by virtue of their forceful playing. That never happened. Perhaps the band was simply ploughing all too familiar ground. Whatever the reason, I rate the music on Roadhouse Symphony as good, but not great Rhythm and Blues. Its enjoyable music, but lacks the hot, joyous passion to be considered an essential recording.

© 2000 - Ron Saranich