We’ve heard this all before, right? Not exactly: The New Orleans-based Pat Casey opens the second of two interpretations of Herbie Hancock tunes with a gurgling bass before Rex Gregory and Ashlin Parker join in with on sax and trumpet, respectively, to restate the swinging, salacious, but by now unfortunately very familiar theme. Then everybody makes way for Danny Abel, and the song finally moves definitively away from tribute. Abel takes a stirring turn on guitar that brings in a tidal wave of influences, from Pat Metheny, to John Scofield to Wes Montgomery. Then Jason Butler follows on the Fender Rhodes, sounding by turns impish and bold. When the group reassembles for a final restatement of Hancock’s theme, Casey and drummer Julian Addison find a second gear, prodding the group into a skipping thrill tide through the remainder of the tune.
Pat Casey and the New Sound boast similar successes throughout the rest of their 2010 self-titled release, which also featured Hancock’s “And What If I Didn’t,” Cedar Walton’s “Bolivia,” Wes Montgomery’s “Road Song,” John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps,” and Horace Silver’s “The Preacher,” among others. Casey’s music can be heard on his official site; Pat Casey and the New Sound is available for purchase here.
Half Notes is a quick-take music feature on Something Else! Reviews, presented whenever the mood strikes us.
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