Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Bobby Hurricane Spencer: Hurricane Unleashed

Bobby Hurricane Spencer: Hurricane Unleashed

By Jim Worsley
April 27, 2021
View read count

What is unleashed here is a giant sized bowl of thick and rich blues, jazz, funk, and an R&B stew. A large ensemble serves it up hot, with

Bobby Hurricane Spencer

saxophone, tenor

" data-original-title="" title="">Bobby Hurricane Spencer dishing out large portions of smokin' hot tenor saxophone licks, as well as vocals that range from tender to gritty. Whether Spencer is a saxophonist who also sings or a vocalist that can play is a tossup. He is equally at home. The two timer is also responsible for composing ten of the twelve tasty entrees.

For Spencer this is a culmination of decades in the business. For the listener perhaps more of a celebration. "Gotta Get Back To Chicago" starts the outing with the rhythm section driving a slick groove. Spencer's commanding presence is immediately on display with the deep resonance of his voice and the intensity of his tenor. Guitarist

Andrea Balestra

guitar, electric

" data-original-title="" title="">Andrea Balestra and keyboardist Mo Beeks give depth to an opener that keenly denotes just what this record is all about. Spencer then gives a yearning and steamy take on "You're All I Need," as well as his flavorful riffs to this R&B ditty.

Charlie Parker

saxophone, alto
1920 - 1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Parker is remembered both warmly and honestly as they shuffle off to "Camarillo." Spencer scats his way along on this toe tappin' number.

The first of only two songs not penned by Spencer is the well-known instrumental "Honky Tonk." The down home blues feel is well conjured by the ensemble plus one. Guitarist

Lester Lands

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Lester Lands makes his only appearance on the record—and he makes it count! Lands stretches out a well-crafted solo that impacts the music and inspires Spencer to blow like there was no tomorrow. They notch it even further, then go back and forth trading licks and tricks. A hot reimagine for sure. Slowing it down a bit was the only direction fathomable. A good time to take a romantic stroll to "Lovers Hill." The Hurricane blows softly and puts his heart into this sentimental ballad. Background vocalists Kelly Chappue, Bosa Mora, and Dominique Toney put out their strongest performance on this song as well. Spencer then steps on the gas for the fiery side of romance as we get turned on to his hot "Little Mama." He works it on out riding an easy, steady, yet swinging groove. "You Make Me Crazy" has Spencer up for another romantic affair. The threesome of singers again are on top of it, as Spencer delivers a full range vocal performance and some penetrating sax lines.

Grover Washington, Jr,'s "Mr. Magic" is given a complete makeover. A very cool new arrangement guides the powerful and funky instrumental into flight. Balestra, along with the rhythm section of drummer Dario Benzoni and bassist Matias Alvear Fall drive and steer the highly melodic classic at a rapid and fluid pace. Spencer blisters with savage veracity and superb note selection. The same mountain of energy moves into serious heartache, with Spencer reaching into his core for "I Got The Blues." The band picks up the beat and bounces through "Maybelle." Spencer's spicy sax chops ringing true with the ensemble at full force with him.

The session concludes with two songs, "Holler'n and Wallow'n" and "Call Your Dogs Off" that exemplify the sheer fun and joy of Hurricane Unleashed, a sizzling romp that showcases his compositional, vocal, and instrumental expertise.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Gotta Get Back To Chicago; You're All I Need; Camarillo; Honky Tonk; Lovers Hill; Little Mama; You Make Me Crazy; Mr. Magic; I Got The Blues; Big Maybelle; Holler'n and Wallow'n; Call Your Dogs Off.

Personnel

Bobby Hurricane Spencer

saxophone, tenor

Andrea Balestra

guitar, electric

Matias Alvear Fall

bass

Dario Benzoni

drums

Mo Beeks

keyboards

Albert Trepagnier Jr.

congas

Tyler Combs

vibraphone

Josh Aguilar

trumpet

Wesley Smith

saxophone, alto

Kelly Chappue

vocals

Bosa Mora

vocals

Dominique Toney

vocals

Lester Lands

guitar

Album information

Title: Hurricane Unleashed | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Self Produced

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Take Five with Will Lyle
< Previous

Lucky Man
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.