Tete Montoliu : Tootie's Tempo

The All Music Guide rating for this album on a 1-9 scale (9=best) is: 5

The All Music Guide rating for this album among this artist's works on a 1-9 scale (9=best) is: 5

  Albert 'Tootie' Heath - Drums
  Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen - Bass
  Tete Montoliu Trio - Performer
  Tete Montoliu - Piano, Main Performer

Tete Montoliu 's sixth release for Steeplechase is a very rewarding studio date, with the blind pianist being accompanied by bassist Niels Pedersen and drummer Albert 'Tootie' Heath . Fans of hard bop will enjoy the extended opener, 'Invitation,' which gives each of the musicians an opportunity to solo. The fireworks continue with a lively interpretation of 'Lover Man,' which starts with Montoliu 's virtuoso solo introduction. John Coltrane 's 'Some Other Blues' is also fertile ground for the trio's improvisations, as is J. J. Johnson 's pretty ballad 'Lament.' The pianist turns on the afterburners as he launches his furious original 'Tootie's Tempo.' The closer is a rich arrangement of 'Darn That Dream.' This CD is highly recommended, as are all of Tete Montoliu 's recordings for Steeplechase . ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide