Eddie Green

"Green's quartet swings in the fast-paced post-Bop tradition. The veteran keyboardist trades the spotlight with vibraphonist/percussionist Sutin in establishing the beachhead from which they launch their assault. Most of the selections were composed by Green, who is aptly supported by drummer Miller and bassists either Brown or Johnson...

On four tunes, the quartet is supplemented with the Tyrone Brown String Ensemble. The violas, violin, and cello plus Brown's bass add a sense of lushness to the music without sacrificing any of the rhythmic adventurousness or delightful improvisations inherent in the quartet's work. The ensemble's melody statement on Eddie Harris's 'Freedom Jazz Dance' permeates 'Jazz Free' to become the right ingredient for reflecting on the merits of the time-honored piece. The mood and rhythms change on 'Passi Flora,' where a Flamenco beat controls the tune's direction. The Blues, however, remain the lifeblood of the quartet. It pops up in numerous scenarios including the bouncy 'All of a Sutin.' Vocalist Clemmons-Washington joins the band on the closing 'Peace' to implant an uplifting message of hope. Green is a seasoned musician who has honed his playing and composing skills to a fine edge. Both attributes shine through on this enjoyable reminder of the music's gracious era."

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"Green's quartet swings in the fast-paced post-Bop tradition. The veteran keyboardist trades the spotlight with vibraphonist/percussionist Sutin in establishing the beachhead from which they launch their assault. Most of the selections were composed by Green, who is aptly supported by drummer Miller and bassists either Brown or Johnson...

On four tunes, the quartet is supplemented with the Tyrone Brown String Ensemble. The violas, violin, and cello plus Brown's bass add a sense of lushness to the music without sacrificing any of the rhythmic adventurousness or delightful improvisations inherent in the quartet's work. The ensemble's melody statement on Eddie Harris's 'Freedom Jazz Dance' permeates 'Jazz Free' to become the right ingredient for reflecting on the merits of the time-honored piece. The mood and rhythms change on 'Passi Flora,' where a Flamenco beat controls the tune's direction. The Blues, however, remain the lifeblood of the quartet. It pops up in numerous scenarios including the bouncy 'All of a Sutin.' Vocalist Clemmons-Washington joins the band on the closing 'Peace' to implant an uplifting message of hope. Green is a seasoned musician who has honed his playing and composing skills to a fine edge. Both attributes shine through on this enjoyable reminder of the music's gracious era."

--Cadence Magazine

"Eddie Green lived the jazz life in Philadelphia. The Willow Grove-born pianist was a quietly legendary figure, backing the soul hits of Billy Paul, fronting the fusion band Catalyst, and becoming the first-call local accompanist for jazz singers from Lou Rawls to Little Jimmy Scott. Here on his last recording, his lines are models of soulful modesty and humor, casting the glow of a good friend's smile.

Vibraphonist Randy Sutin plays a bigger role than he might have had Green's health been better...Bassist Tyrone Brown of Max Roach's quintet and drummer Jim Miller, both longtime Green collaborators, are mainstays, helping Green rediscover 'Prayer Dance' from the Catalyst songbook. The set covers some snazzy funk on 'Jazz Free' and includes some amusing moments, including 'Passi Flora,' with a Spanish vibe."

--Philadelphia Inquirer

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