John Beasley
Positootly!
Resonance Records
www.ResonanceRecords.org
By George W. Harris

I saw Beasley’s band at the Jazz Bakery last year as he was promoting
his disc dedicated to Herbie Hancock’s music. It was a HOT show, which
made me look forward to this encore. This one continues on the same
path, as it mixes that classic Blue Note Herbie with his later funky
ventures. Along with Jeff “Tain” Watts/dr and James Genus/b, Beasley
does some wonderful work with his catchy readings of Jobim’s “Dindi”
and Piazolla’s “Tanguedia III.” The horn work provided by Bennie Maupin
and Brian Lynch deliver classic hard bop and fun on Beasley’s “Black
Thunder” and the title track. Maupin’s soprano on “Elle” is rich and
tasty, while Lynch delivers the goods on “The Eight Winds.” Fantastic
followup to an overlooked style of jazz. Check him out if he comes to
town-he sometimes heads out in Vitello's. www.vitellosrestaurant.com..