![]() ![]() There is no point in reviewing them individually as all are without weakness. Life Time is the first full-length studio album by Rollins Band, fronted by ex- Black Flag singer, Henry Rollins. the other four numbers being the lesser known standards Rollins relishes, including 'There's No Business Like Show Business', 'Raincheck', 'There Are Such Things' and 'It's All Right With Me'. If nothing else, Life Time proves the detractors wrong. There is one original composition, 'Paradox'. When Henry Rollins emerged from the breakup of Black Flag, many thought he couldnt be successful without guitarist Greg Ginn. ![]() He does solo (when does he not?) but not to excess. He has enormous technical ability, which here is devoted to musical ends and not simple display. Roach, on the drums, is on good form, swinging and propulsive. George Morrow is probably the least known member of the band but plays very well, firmly supportive and always swinging. I have always enjoyed his blues playing when with more mainstream company, but listening to his thoughtful and imaginative work here I have to regret he did not play more frequently in the type of surroundings there are here. Bryant, in a sense the odd man out in this band, plays extremely well, fluent, swinging and original. He is probably one of the half dozen greatest players on the tenor saxophone in the history of the music and shows it in every note he plays here. He swings hard and his playing is imaginative and emotional. His tone, not always the case at this time in his career, is vibrant and full. The total playing time is 32 minutes, which is a little on the short side but far better that than twice the length from lesser players. They play five tunes, all of which range between five and nine minutes and so give time for the soloists to stretch out without overstaying their welcome. It dates from 1955 when Rollins, Morrow and Roach were all members of the Brown - Roach quintet. He is on fine form throughout and is backed by an exemplary rhythm section consisting of Ray Bryant, George Morrow and Max Roach. This is not one of Rollins' best known records but it is certainly one of his best. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |