RICKY FORD
Ricky's Choice (32 Jazz)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Ricky's Choice offers ten tracks that Ricky Ford selected to represent his early 80's tenure with Muse Records. The Muse catalog, of course, makes up the bulk of the 32 Jazz vaults, and while Joel Dorn was at the helm (Dorn recently left 32 for an as yet unannounced new venture) it was natural for a man known as an artist-oriented producer to encourage the artists themselves to get involved with packaging compilations. Although not all of them can (mortality catching up with many of the leading names involved), Ford was available, and for this one the call was all his.

The result is a fine mixture of the quartet work that was typical of most of Ford's output and a generous sampling of some of the larger ensemble pieces as well. Among the sidemen are familiar names such as John Hicks (piano), Larry Coryell (guitar), Wallace Roney (trumpet), and Jimmy Knepper (trombone). Besides Ford's tenor, the one consistent factor is Jimmy Cobb on drums.

If you're not familiar with this generally underrated but consistently strong saxophonist, Ricky's Choice is an excellent introduction.

Track List:

Jordanian Walk * Take The Coltrane * Interpretation Opus 5 * You Don't Know What Love Is * This Our Love (Esse Nosso Amor) * Yes Or No * Miyako * Moon Mist * A-Flat Now * Samba de Caribe

© 2000 - Shaun Dale