Larry Eanet Quartet - Sunset Stomp

Wait long enough and the supporting players become stars.

My only previous exposure to Washington, DC based Larry Eanet was on Barbara Lea's 1983 CD, "Do It Again" - that and Barbara's high recommendation of his playing.

My only previous encounter with Ron Hocket was as a sideman in John Sheridan's "Dream Man" . In neither case was the player in question showcased. Here, they are up front with plenty of blowing space in a quartet which also includes bassist Tommy Cecil and drummer Harold Summey, Jr. Are they to be stars of a future Arbors session? I wouldn't be surprised . Sooner or later Mat and Rachel Domber get around to giving everybody a turn in the barrel.

What adaptation I like about both pianist Eanet and reedman Hockett (especially on clarinet) is the economy of notes and the intensity of their polyphonic interactions, reminiscent of the halcyon days of Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond. Just from the program of titles on this disk, it's easy to detect a predilection for the compositions of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn and tunes associated with Bix Bedierbecke. Less predictable is Eanet's adaptation of classical material such as "Frederic's Tune" adapted from a Chopin etude and "Sunset Stomp" from the Sunset movement of Ferde Grofe's Grand Canyon Suite. Even given the quantity of Ellington's music that has been recorded for the centennial celebration, it's good to hear "Across The Track Blues" and "Lady of the Lavender Mist" in preference to the hundred and umpteenth version of "Mood Indigo" or "Satin Doll".

The sound is good, especially the piano and drums. The bass sounds a little over-amplified or over-miked at times, but isn't that true of most records made these days? The music is better than good - it's superb, especially the way Eanet and Hockett hone in on what the other is doing. This is true jazz chamber music.

Reviewed by Joe H. Klee / The Mississippi Rag 10/2000