CECIL BROOKS III
Our Mister Brooks (32 Jazz)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Drummer Cecil Brooks III was more than a prolific leader and sideman for Muse Records, he was the house producer for a substantial piece of their catalog. Joel Dorn, who produced this compilation before departing 32 Records for his new Label M project, likens Brooks and Houston Person's contribution to the Muse label to Ike Quebec and Duke Pearson's work at Blue Note. That's quite an accolade.

The key to that kind of success as a producer is ultimately taste, and that taste is reflected in the dozen tracks that Brooks himself selected from four albums he recorded as a leader for Muse in the 1990s. There are some familiar names in his lineups - Christian McBride, Benny Green, Greg Osby, Stephen Scott, Gerri Allen and Ravi Coltrane stand out for me - along with some less familiar players who fill their roles no less admirably in spite of being less acclaimed. Of course, some of those familiar names were somewhat less so when Brooks recruited them for his projects. What's key, though, is that as the leader, Brooks picked the players, selected the book, set the pace and established the tone. In every case, he did so with taste, skill and sensitivity.

This is a fine introduction to a musician who is far more than the simple designation "drummer" can begin to describe (although he's one of the best to claim that title). It's also a great look at the development of some of the top "Young Lions" of jazz.

Track List:

Creepin' * I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face * Temptation * One By One * Without A Song * Swamp Thang * And Another Thang * We'll Be Together Again * Hangin' With Smooth * West Coast Blues * Sunshine * Montclair

© 2000 - Shaun Dale