Believe it or not, there are (supposedly) comprehensive studies of jazz guitar that include not a single word about Grant Green. Ironically, his popularity and influence have never been greater than they are today in the wake of numerous CD reissues. Fans have come to appreciate his bluesy approach and his very direct tone. Green possessed a horn player's mentality, eschewing overly sweet chording and complex technique in favor single-note solos that borrowed more from players like Charlie Parker than from any guitarist.
Green is mostly remembered as a soul-jazz guitarist, having graced many early organ-trio dates and later on, electric jazz-funk. But Idle Moments shows he was quite capable of compelling straight-ahead post bop. The album owns a mellow, toned-down, after-hours ambience, thanks in large part to the presence of vibist Bobby Hutcherson. The seductive, painfully slow title track contains some of Green's most lyrical and thoughtful work. The softer sounds of the guitar and vibes are contrasted by Joe Henderson's fiery tenor blowing. On this album, one of his first recordings, Henderson smolders through the material, soaring above the rhythm section and providing considerable heat. All soloists swing hard on "Jean de Fleur," but the standout track is the cover of John Lewis' "Django." The band again evokes a somber mood while loping through the winding tune, gracefully sliding from fierce blues-based riffing to wonderfully melodic passages. The bluesy "Nomad" concludes matters in blowing-session fashion. The CD version also includes alternate (even longer) takes of "Jean de Fleur" and "Django."
If you like Grant Green, check out:
George Benson Cookbook
Django Reinhardt Nuages
Grant Green Matador
Wes Montgomery The Incredible Jazz Guitar
The Benny Goodman Sextet ...Featuring Charlie Christian
psst...you might wanna check out our bebop abode for more features on bebop artists.
