Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Jimmy Greene: Mission Statement

Jimmy Greene: Mission Statement

By Elliott Simon
July 17, 2010
View read count

Possessing a concise pithy tone on his tenor sax that at times can be reverential, Jimmy Greene also surprises with an ability to translate that same depth to soprano, when making the switch for the odd tune. Greene's quartet consists of pianist

Xavier Davis

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Xavier Davis, bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer

Eric Harland

drums
b.1976

" data-original-title="" title="">Eric Harland, and, while this ensemble fits squarely in the world of precise modern jazz, the tunes—due in equal measure to Greene's respect for melody and compositional skill—stand on their own as interesting listens.

This is not a shy rhythm section, and proves itself capable of laying in a very richly textured and supportive bottom and middle. It's joined on a majority of the album by guitarist

Lage Lund

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Lage Lund, who possesses a tone as delicately beautiful as Greene's is juicy. This makes for some very fine moments, as Lund's web-like runs contrast with Greene's depth in a variety of stylistic settings, which occasionally benefit from Davis' funky fare on Rhodes. The opening title cut begins with Greene strongly stating an intricate theme, followed by Lund's soothing restatement that enchants and surprises with its cool mature feel.

Although the songs obviously differ in content— the funkiness of "Yeah You Right"; the spirituality and Trane-signifiers of "Love in Action"; the rhythmic complexity of "Mr. Octopus" and tenderness of "In Nelba's Eyes" and "Ana Grace"—it is the interplay that makes this a must-listen. Vibraphonist

Stefon Harris

vibraphone
b.1973

" data-original-title="" title="">Stefon Harris also joins for a particularly strong performance of "Revelation" that artfully showcases his speed and improvising ability, alongside Greene's similar attributes on soprano. Mission Statement is a clear declaration that there is a whole lot of music in the horn and mind of Jimmy Greene.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Mission Statement; Fathers and Sons; Trials; Love In Action; Revelation; In Nelba's Eyes; YeahYouRight!; Mr. Octopus; Ana Grace; Give Thanks.

Personnel

Jimmy Greene

saxophone

Jimmy Greene: tenor and soprano saxophones; Lage Lund: guitar; Stefon Harris: vibraphone (Revelation); Xavier Davis: piano, Rhodes; Reuben Rogers: bass; Eric Harland: drums.

Album information

Title: Mission Statement | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Razdaz Recordz

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Boz Scaggs: The Flynn Center, Burlin...
< Previous

2010 TD Vancouver International Jazz...
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.