Herbie Mann "Evolution Of Mann" - Anthology 1994 - CD 1

This two-disc anthology doesn't cover Mann's bop or swing origins, instead concentrating on Mann's evolution from the 1960s to the 1990s. The first disc has more interest for jazz fans; it includes the influential "Memphis Underground" and "Coming Home Baby," showing his early flirtations with Latin and African music, as well as live workouts and Southern sessions. The second disc documents Mann's move into straight pop and light instrumentals, although near its conclusion he's returned to the groove-oriented Afro-Latin music of his earlier days. While there are questionable inclusions, especially the inferior live version of "Hold On I'm Comin'" rather than the definitive rendition from Memphis Underground, this set offers a good overview of a controversial but consistent musician. (Ron Wynn, Allmusic)All right kids, if you want an overview of how a wide range of different styles can swing on the flute, look no further. Herbie Mann is by far the most swingin', get down and groove flutist to come down the pike. Speaking of pikes, listen to the third cut of disk one. It features vibraphonist Dave Pike. You can hear his moans as he solos. The tune was written by the bassist, Ben Tucker. He begins with a bass line that immediately sets one's toes a tappin'. This is one of Herbie's signature tunes, the other being "Memphis Underground" which is featured later on. The next tune "One Note Samba" is from what, in my opinion, is one of Herbie's best recordings, "Herbie Mann & Joao Gilberto with Antonio Carlos Jobim." However, the accompanying book gives credit to the recording "Do The Bossa Nova With Herbie Mann." I'm sure this is correct and the tune appears on both albums. Herbie is not given nearly enough credit for his contribution of bringing over this great music from Brasil. "Blues Walk" is a fun, quick-paced jazz romp. It's followed by "Gymnopedie" which Herbie recorded with the famous Bill Evans trio. Disk Two begins with one of Herbie's most beautiful tunes "Yesterday's Kisses." He is heard playing the longer, wider in diameter thus, warmer sounding alto flute. If you ever need to calm down or just want to listen to a gorgeous piece of music, put this on. "Push Push" is the title cut from another of Herbie's best recordings. It features the soulfull Richard Tee on piano and what would turn out to be Duane Allman's last recordings. "Hold I'm Comin'" is the only live cut. It was recorded at the 1972 New York Jazz Festival. During this period Herbie called his group "The Family of Mann." The band consisted of sax/flutist David "Fathead" Newman, and Pat Rebillot on keyboards (also featured on the "Reggae" album). The late abstract rock guitaritst Sonny Sharrock is along as well. "Mellow Yellow" gets a fun interpretation here by Herbie and world famous French violinist Stephane Grapelli. "Draw Your Breaks" by Jimmy Cliff is from Herbie's "Surprises featuring Cissy Houston" album. All in all this is a great double CD. The depth of variety ensures that there will be something for just about everybody. I hope you'll get this and enjoy the music of Herbie Mann. (Crawdaddy)

trax:

01 Baghdad_Asia Minor 02 Sawa Sawa De 03 This Little Girl Of Mine 04 Comin' Home Baby 05 One Note Samba 06 Blues Walk 07 Gymnopedie 08 I Love You 09 Soul Guajira 10 Mushi Mushi 11 Feeling Good 12 Philly Dog 13 Memphis Underground 14 Claudia Pie 15 Muscle Shoals Nitty Gritty

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