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The Sheryl Bailey 4: For All Those Living

By Edward Blanco
August 29, 2011
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The Sheryl Bailey 4: For All Those Living

Wes Montgomery

guitar
1923 - 1968

" data-original-title="" title="">Wes Montgomery may be gone, but the great jazz guitarist's crisp, rich-toned sound lives on in Sheryl Bailey, whose style is so reminiscent of the icon, but whose technique has also been compared to that of

Pat Martino

guitar
1944 - 2021

" data-original-title="" title="">Pat Martino. It is quite clear that Bailey is a gifted guitarist as well as a veteran musician, with several albums to her credit. Bailey has performed in many formats throughout her career, yet For All Those Living, is her first to lead a traditional rhythm quartet. The result is a session of delicious straight-ahead jazz with piano, bass and drum accompaniment led by her truly inspiring guitar work.

Leading the music with sharp riffs and tasty soloing throughout the set, the eight-piece repertoire also reveals her talents as a writer, with clever and innovative original compositions making a decidedly positive musical statement. "An Unexpected Turn" is the perfect opening title for this unexpectedly brilliant turn of an album. The piece is highlighted by brisk guitar work and dazzling piano lines from

Jim Ridl

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Jim Ridl with whom Bailey collaborates with many times throughout the set. The title track is a melancholic waltz dedicated to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, the memories and healing process of which are championed by the guitarist as a theme of the album.

Many of Bailey's compositions are straight dedications to friends and fellow musicians such as "A Muse Sings," for the late

Jimmy Wyble

guitar, electric
1922 - 2010

" data-original-title="" title="">Jimmy Wyble, which allows bassist

Gary Wang

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Gary Wang a few bright moments, and "Masa's Bag" penned for guitarist Masa Sasaki. Other tribute pieces also include "Wilkinsburg," for her frequent guitar duo partner

Jack Wilkins

saxophone, tenor
1944 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Jack Wilkins, and the closing "Moblin," a swinging number in dedication to hard bop/soul jazz tenor saxophonist

Hank Mobley

saxophone, tenor
1930 - 1986

" data-original-title="" title="">Hank Mobley, who inspired the soul and swing side of the guitarist, a taste of which is included on this disc.

A professor at Boston's Berklee College of Music, Bailey also lends her skills as an instructor at the Ronald McDonald House in association with the New York Pops. In keeping with the healing message of the album, this social-minded guitarist decided to contribute twenty percent of the album sales to the McDonald House. A worthy cause, of course, but it's Bailey's handiwork and the caliber of her music that illuminates this gem of a recording, and makes For All Those Living a rich and enjoyable musical experience not easily forgotten—and that's by design.

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Track Listing

An Unexpected Turn; For All Those Living; A Muse Sings; Masa's Bag; 29- 11; Wilkinsburg; For A Russian Princess; Moblin.'

Personnel

Sheryl Bailey

guitar

Sheryl Bailey: guitar; Jim Ridl: piano; Gary Wang: bass; Shingo Okudaira: drums.

Album information

Title: For All Those Living | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Self Produced

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