Altoist Gary Bartz replaces the late Charlie Rouse, joining pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Buster Williams, and drummer Ben Riley for the reunion of this stellar group. While the repertoire is interesting -- two lesser-known Monk tunes, two Gary Bartz tunes, Billy Strayhorn's "Isfahan," Kenny Barron's haunting "Twilight," and a breakneck version of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Surrey With the Fringe on Top" -- the band comes across as tame and traditional. The sparks that routinely fly during Sphere's live performances appear to ...
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Altoist Gary Bartz replaces the late Charlie Rouse, joining pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Buster Williams, and drummer Ben Riley for the reunion of this stellar group. While the repertoire is interesting -- two lesser-known Monk tunes, two Gary Bartz tunes, Billy Strayhorn's "Isfahan," Kenny Barron's haunting "Twilight," and a breakneck version of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Surrey With the Fringe on Top" -- the band comes across as tame and traditional. The sparks that routinely fly during Sphere's live performances appear to be missing here. ~ David R. Adler, Rovi
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