Tina Brooks: Minor Move (CD: Blue Note Connoisseur)
Brooks' excellent quartet of Blue Notes are finally getting to see the light of day after years of neglect, something that is totally unjustified. His distinctive and elegantly phrased tenor solos, his penchant for affecting minor themes and graceful contemplation, even at swift tempos, and an eloquence with the blues will be an ear-tickling treat for those new to Tina. A shy, reserved character, Brooks kept fast company at this time, and 'Minor Move' is fair evidence: Lee Morgan, Sonny Clark, Doug Watkins and Art Blakey. That lineup alone should convince many to invest in this release. Minor flaws were the probable reason why it had to wait until 1980 for its rescue from the Blue Note vaults, but it is a fine example of an underrated genius.
Price: £13.99
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