One of the enduring mysteries of jazz is also one of its most salient criteria: the hookup between bass and drums. Like Justice Stewart's quote about pornography, it is hard to define but impossible to miss when you hear it. By now, Vicente Archer and Bill Stewart have something very special going on, and Danny Grissett was wise to tap into it. Equally hard to define is what Ethan Iverson calls the "adult tempo." Whatever it means, it is surely this one, and does it swing. Grissett's series of choruses practically define the elegance, wisdom and sophistication of New York piano (another slippery but instantly recognizable concept). Ten or 15 more choruses of Benny Golson's great line would not have been enough.
Contact John Chacona on All About Jazz.
John Chacona is a freelance journalist, content writer and producer in Cleveland.
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Contact John Chacona on All About Jazz.
All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.
