The Darius Brubeck Quartet: Cathy's Summer

Rating: ★★★

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Darius Brubeck (p)
Matt Ridley (b)
Dave O'Higgins (ts)
Wesley Gibbens (d)

Label:

Gathering Forces

April/2015

Catalogue Number:

GFM GF 6

RecordDate:

31 July and 1, 11, 12 August 2014

Some eternal values remain, not the least the benign influence of Dave Brubeck through his accomplished clan. Featuring eight of his own songs, the ever-modest Darius' writing is well to the fore on this gently swinging, sweetly melodic release. Having played as a trio for eight years, with O'Higgins as a featured guest for much of that time, the band are not surprisingly splendidly relaxed in each other's company, but never smug. The tone is set by the opening title track, shimmering with sunshine and feel-good warmth. But they can lay down a tougher vibe, as on the urgent ‘Fifteen’, with O'Higgins salting his tone with a Coltrane-ish edge. Elsewhere ‘Crete’ has a knotty time signature and classical edge which would get the nod from Brubeck senior, while the few covers reveal Brubeck's respect for the tradition with an affectionate take on ‘I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You’, with O'Higgins doing his bluesy Ben Webster thing. Enjoy: things may come and things may go, but the Brubeck vibe goes on forever.

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