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Brad Goode: That's Right!

By Nicholas F. Mondello
February 13, 2019
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The first collaboration between trumpeter

Brad Goode

trumpet
b.1963

" data-original-title="" title="">Brad Goode and saxophonist

" data-original-title="" title="">Ernie Watts is a case study in superior musicianship and improvisation. It also illustrates how two frontline performers and their supporting band can achieve excellence as a creative ensemble.

The kickoff, "Half Moon," an original from pianist

Adrean Farrugia

keyboards

" data-original-title="" title="">Adrean Farrugia, is reminiscent of the popular work of

Chuck Mangione

flugelhorn
1940 - 2025

" data-original-title="" title="">Chuck Mangione. Goode states the theme and chases all the clouds away before Watts enters to echo the theme and stretch out over the rhythm section. Goode's original, "Regret" is a morose statement over a three-note motif that's a nod to

Charles Mingus

bass, acoustic
1922 - 1979

" data-original-title="" title="">Charles Mingus' "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" than anything. His solo here has

Miles Davis

trumpet
1926 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Miles Davis' ornamentation all over it.

Both Goode and Watts have strong roots in the jazz tradition. Goode, a Chi-towner who is a standout in both small and large ensembles, was mentored by the likes of

Von Freeman

saxophone, tenor
1922 - 2012

" data-original-title="" title="">Von Freeman,

Red Rodney

trumpet
1927 - 1994

" data-original-title="" title="">Red Rodney, and

Clark Terry

trumpet
1920 - 2015

" data-original-title="" title="">Clark Terry. Watts, with Wilmington/Philly roots, has paid dues in big bands (with

Buddy Rich

drums
1917 - 1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Buddy Rich and

Doc Severinsen

trumpet
b.1927

" data-original-title="" title="">Doc Severinsen's various units), also with

Charlie Haden

bass, acoustic
1937 - 2014

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Haden's West Coast group, and for decades in the LA studios. These two cats are feral phenoms and true sonic explorers. Each displays seemingly effortless mastery—awesome technique, highly-innovative boundary-pushing solos, and an obvious willingness to creatively give and take. They and the ensemble are all simpatico.

"Perplexity" is an up-tempo polytonal exploration with its tendrils curled in

Fats Navarro

trumpet
1923 - 1950

" data-original-title="" title="">Fats Navarro/

Tadd Dameron

piano
1917 - 1965

" data-original-title="" title="">Tadd Dameron-like bop. However, it is rendered frantic as if on steroids. "Blues in the Night" has Goode plunging its theme a la the aforementioned Clark Terry and has Watts spewing soul. Bassist

Kelly Sill

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Kelly Sill's "A Sense of Fairness" is a triple-metered dance. Sill and Farrugia offer terrific solos there. Watts' "Letter from Home" has a siren-calling exotic theme. "We Three" from

Adam Nussbaum

drums
b.1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Adam Nussbaum (who cooks across the entire date) is a slow, textured soundscape. "Who Parked the Car" offers a quirky, toot-toot, straight-ahead melody with "Giant Steps"-type harmonic resolutions.

Billy Eckstine

vocals
1914 - 1993

" data-original-title="" title="">Billy Eckstine's "I Want to Talk About You," a Goode showcase, is deivered through his Harmon-muted horn. It is a gorgeously played track. Von Freeman's "Jug Ain't Gone" references

Gene Ammons

saxophone, tenor
1925 - 1974

" data-original-title="" title="">Gene Ammons and is a cooking closer.

That's Right! is about as perfect a musical pairing as one can get—59 minutes of superb tunes, outstanding playing and killer musicianship. A terrific album.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Half Moon; Regret; Perplexity; Blues in the Night; A Sense of Fairness; Letter from Home; We Three; Who Parked the Car?; I Want to Talk About You; Jug Ain't Gone.

Personnel

Brad Goode

trumpet

Brad Goode: trumpet; Ernie Watts: tenor saxophone; Adrean Farrugia: piano; Kelly Sill: bass; Adam Nussbaum: drums.

Album information

Title: That's Right! | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Origin Records

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Brad Goode Concerts

Oct 3 Fri

Woody Witt Quintet With Brad Goode: Brazilian Jazz

The Muse Performance Space
Lafayette, CO

Dec 19 Fri

Ted Piltzecker Quartet Featuring Brad Goode

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