| Delfeayo Marsalis' playing on this remarkable cd is exemplary of the highest standards of mainstream jazz: precise, subtle, broad in range, assured in technique but never showy. It has been a pleasure to observe his maturation over the last fifteen or so years. He has become an unusually articulate composer and soloist. You should pay attention to the structure of his solos, for they are well built indeed. He is a very satisfying musician.
It is axiomatic that in all ensemble performance, particularly collective improvisation, listening is as important as playing. These musicians do both with excellence; always swinging with intimate sensitivity. The tunes exploit each player’s strengths, and their strengths are powerful indeed. Elvin Jones’ presence is of historic importance as this was the last recording that he made with horns, a fact that gives Minions’ Dominion something of an added dimension of a final statement. As such, it is as good a way as any to remember this great Master.
Altogether this is a well-balanced CD, creative and accessible, with first-rate performances throughout. Minions’ Dominion is organized like a suite; in its totality is a perfect balance of mood and dynamic, of emotion and programmatic material, at times playful, at other times deadly serious. It is so well conceived that the various ensembles play as if they had been together for years. |
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