I wasn’t familiar with the work of vibraphonist Bill Ware (though a quick Allmusic search said that he’s played with the Jazz Passengers, Groove Collective and even Steely Dan) but I was, then as now, a sucker for the sound of vibes. What’s more, I’ll buy anything with the name “Marc Ribot” attached to it (check out Book Of Heads if you don’t believe me). I never get tired of his twisted and wobbly guitar sound. But … on this particular disc, a set of Duke Ellington covers, the skronky guitar doesn’t show up. This is good though, because it’s very refreshing (after getting over the initial disorientation) to hear Ribot playing straight-ahead jazz … basslines, comping and everything. Honest!
‘Half Notes’ are quick-take thoughts on music from Something Else! Reviews, presented whenever the mood strikes us.
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