CEDAR WALTON
Three Sundays In The Seventies (Label M)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Three Sundays In The Seventies is another release in Label M's Live At The Left Bank series, this time featuring pianist Cedar Walton. The tracks are drawn from performances in 1971, 72 and 74, and feature three lineups whose only constant elements are Walton and drummer Billy Higgins.

From the '71 show, we get a pair of tracks featuring a trio rounded out by bassist Herbie Lewis. On the following dates, Lewis was replaced by Sam Jones, and the trio was augmented by a select group of musical partners. In '72, that was vocalist Etta Jones, and the two tracks from that show are among the high spots of a consistently enjoyable disc. From the '74 show, we get the remaining four cuts, with the trio alone for "This Guy's In Love With You," and joined by Clifford Jordan on tenor and Bill Hardman on trumpet for the rest.

Six great musicians, 8 terrific tracks, one fine venue and an audience that almost certainly wasn't big enough, no matter how big it was, add up to a compact disc that will delight jazz lovers everywhere. Thanks to the Left Bank Jazz Society and Label M, that audience can now be much bigger, and I'm happy to have become a belated part of it.

Track List:

Naima * Pinocchio * This Guy's In Love With You * Plexus * I'm Not Sure * Shiny Stockings * Blow Top Blues * Don't Go To Strangers

© 2001 - Shaun Dale