JERRY PORTNOY
Down in the Mood Room (Tiny Town)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

---

Jerry Portnoy is probably best known for his work as Muddy Waters' harp player and a driving force behind the band that featured many other Muddy Waters alumni, The Legendary Blues Band. Down in the Mood Room, though, is quite a departure from Jerry's blues roots. It's primarily a jazz record where Jerry introduces the harp as the lead instrument in George Shearing's "Lullaby of Birdland," Horace Silver's "Doodlin," and two other American classics, "Sentimental Journey" and "Stormy Weather." Being Jerry Portnoy, he doesn't stray far from the blues in "Mood Room Boogie" or "Money." This record hit me like Dr. John's reworking of Duke Ellington, Duke Elegant: Down in the Mood Room interprets some American classics tastefully and helped me hear the work of George Shearing and Horace Silver in a new way.

Track List:

Doodlin' * So Slow * You Rascal You * Canadian Sunset * Lullaby of Birdland * Lazy * Jug Band Waltz * Once Too Often * Sentimental Journey * Money * Stormy Weather * Mood Room Boogie * Endless Road

© 2002 - Eric Steiner