Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Andy McCloud's Gentlemen of Jazz: Blues For Bighead

Andy McCloud's Gentlemen of Jazz: Blues For Bighead

By AAJ Staff
August 1, 2001
Sign in to view read count

Andy McCloud's Gentlemen of Jazz: Blues For Bighead

Bassist Andy McCloud convenes the Gentlemen of Jazz—his working band—to produce a satisfying set of straight-ahead improvised music. Around jazz since the New York loft scene, McCloud worked with likes of Elvin Jones in the late ‘70s, Clifford Jordan in the early ‘80s, and Hilton Ruiz through the ‘90s. Blues for Bighead represents McCloud’s first disc as a leader. The all-original program of blues and blues-oriented pieces provides some engaging twists: for one, the presence of Steve Nelson on vibes in the seat traditionally occupied by piano in a quartet ensemble. Nelson really stretches out on “Lisa” and his mallet-work reinforces the groovy atmosphere. Joe Ford’s piercing yet soulful voice on alto and soprano saxophones captures the listener’s attention throughout the session. His alto on the opening number evinces a sophisticated command of the blues idiom. Ford cuts loose long, flowing upper-register phrases on his solo on “Waltz for a Nebulous Woman”. McCloud himself keeps things fresh by displaying the full complement of bass technique: fat walking lines on “Blues for Bighead” and a bowed introduction and closing on “Waltz for a Nebulous Woman”. Bass and piano make an enticing duet. McCloud presents two numbers, “Song for Lou” and “Who Is My Mother”, with pianist Larry Willis. Fans of mainstream jazz will find their generic expectation fulfilled by this debut offering from a jazz journeyman.

Track Listing

Blues for Bighead; Beatrice; Song for Lou; Waltz for a Nebulous Woman; Who Is My Mother; I

Personnel

Andy McCloud

Andy McCloud - bass; Joe Ford - alto and soprano saxophones; Steve Nelson - vibes; Victor Jones - drums; Larry Willis - piano on Song for Lou and Who Is My Mother

Album information

Title: Blues For Bighead | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Mapleshade Recordings

< Previous
Global Unity

Next >
Meet Duane Eubanks

Comments

About Andy McCloud

Tags

For the Love of 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 create 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.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve 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.