Malachi Thompson - The Jaz Life

Trumpeter Thompson's second CD for Delmark has the leader surrounding himself with powerful sidemen and tributes to heroes, while emphasizing that the "jaz" life (one z purposefully left off) is a struggle to be overcome and to thrive in the midst of. Saxophonists Carter Jefferson and Joe Ford contribute mightily, as they have to projects by Woody Shaw and Mccoy Tyner, respectively. Pianist Kirk Brown and bassist Harrison Bankhead play inside and out with equal aplomb, while rhythm navigators like drummer Nasar Abadey and percussionist Richard Lawrence keep things potent and swinging. Read More