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Steve Turre: Generations
ByTrombone players have a unique place in the sound created in a small jazz band. Their parts helped blend and define any given melody. On this record, Turre's arrangements are always fluid and interesting, creating a backdrop to allow the soloists a foundation to build on.
Turre's role as an educator (Julliard faculty 2002-03, 2008-present) has afforded him the ability to both teach and mentor students and to choose some to be part of his touring bands. This band includes his son

Orion Turre
drums
Wallace Roney Jr
trumpet
Lenny White
drumsb.1949

Buster Williams
bass, acousticb.1942

James Carter
multi-instrumentalistb.1969
The project was to begin recording in April 2020, but COVID happened. The silver lining was it allowed time for Turre to expand his vision and give the youngsters more time to rehearse and grow. It all came to fruition at the end of February 2022 when the album was recorded during a one-day session. It consists of 10 songs (nine written by Turre) and clocks in at 70 minutes.
The album opens with "Planting The Ceed," which immediately sets the tone. A pulsing piano riff introduces the melody from the three horns before the soloing begins. "Dinner With Duke" is a gorgeous ballad tribute to the master and shows Turre's lyrical playing abilities, later interspersed with Roney Jr.'s muted trumpet. This is followed by "Blue Smoke," a straightforward blues tribute to his label for four years, featuring the stellar bass of Buster Williams and guest guitarist

Ed Cherry
guitarb.1954
This varied album includes Latin grooves ("Good People") and a reggae tribute ("Don D.") written for Skatalites leader and trombonist,

Don Drummond
trombone1932 - 1969
Turre's band is strong throughout. They are all very talented and play with a confidence that belies their youth. Particularly impressive is

Isaiah J. Thompson
piano
Geri Allen
piano1957 - 2017
Steve Turre has had a remarkable career. He played with

Rahsaan Roland Kirk
woodwinds1935 - 1977

Ray Charles
piano and vocals1930 - 2004

Art Blakey
drums1919 - 1990

Woody Shaw
trumpet1944 - 1989

Mongo Santamaria
percussion1917 - 2003
It is beautiful to see a player of Turre's stature continue the tradition of passing on his experience, strength and hope to a younger generation. Just as Turre had a history of playing with artists who mentored him, he's helping other artists find their path in the expanding continuum of jazz. Generations is a worthy addition to that legacy. ">
Track Listing
Planting the Ceed; Dinner with Duke; Blue Smoke; Smoke Gets in Your Eyes; Don D.; Pharoah's Dance; Flower Power; Good People; Sweet Dreams; Resistance.
Personnel
Steve Turre
tromboneWallace Roney Jr
trumpetEmilio Modeste
saxophoneJames Carter
multi-instrumentalistEd Cherry
guitarCorcoran Holt
bassBuster Williams
bass, acousticOrion Turre
drumsLenny White
drumsPedrito Martinez
percussionAndy Bassford
guitarTrevor Watkis
keyboardsKarl Wright
drumsIsaiah J. Thompson
pianoAlbum information
Title: Generations | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Smoke Sessions Records
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