Russell Gunn
Ethnomusicology Vol 4
(Justin Time – 2004)
by John Thompson
It’s good to see that Trumpeter Russell Gunn is still making music that is on the edge of jazz, rock, and urban relations. Recorded live in the Churchill Grounds Club, the music is something of an updated throwback, which equates to ideas reaching the soul.
Band members include Gunn, Nick Rolfe (P,Keys), Carlos Henderson (B) Carl Burnett (G), Kahlil Kwame Bell (Perc) Rocky Bryant (D) and D.J.Neil Armstrong on the Turntables. Gunn uses some electronics on his trumpet which works tremendously towards creating each mood, reminding us of some Miles Davis adventures… and Gunn is not hesitant to afford other musicians space and opportunity.
Though the cd has six tracks, with the first track a 38 second introduction, the five tunes give way to enough musicianship to impress any audience. Check out my favorite, More Sybil’s Blues to hear monster solos from Gunn and Burnett. While not a fan of this version of Summertime, I do find the solos by Rolfe and Gunn to be impressive. Lyne’s Joint is the smooth finger popper of the disc that comes straight from the urban side of the tracks.
There are a few unfortunates on the disc. The audience present at the club seemed to have been expecting another type of music. The dj scratches reminded me more of audio malfunctions than musical additions, but the band and Gunn were definitely tight and did produce some high spirited music. Long live the 70’s! 3 ½ stars. No, make it 4 stars due to the addition of Burnett.