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Phil Upchurch: Tell the Truth!
ByHis impressively varied resume (he’s worked with seemingly everybody in jazz through pop) allows Upchurch to take a well-rounded approach to each song, but at heart, he’s still a Chicago blues guitarist. The program includes a nice variety of tunes, but each has that unmistakable blues stamp. The selections range from the current (he’s the first to cover a tune from the new Steely Dan CD Two Against Nature ) to the historical (W.C. Handy’s “St. Louis Blues”), and from the familiar (the opener “Jive Samba” and the closer “Misty”) to the fresh (two Upchurch originals, plus one by pianist David Arnay).
The consistently enjoyable program is mellow and laid-back throughout. But in this case, be assured that these are not polite euphemisms for sleepy or boring. While the music establishes a comfortable, relaxing ambiance, it does so with self-assurance and tastefulness, not tedious clichés. Upchurch and his colleagues are never in your face with technique and chops; rather, they impress with expressiveness, good interplay, and plenty of fresh ideas to convey. In fact, two of the most familiar tunes on the CD, Paul Desmond’s “Take Five” and Neil Hefti’s “Girl Talk” (too often rendered as schmaltzy pop) are remarkable for the fresh approach taken to each. Another highlight is Upchurch’s take on “St. Louis Blues;” on this one he plays solo, and demonstrates a perfect balance between melody, rhythm and bass line with his a cappella arrangement. (Evidence 22222)
Track Listing
Jive Samba, Jack Of Speed, La Costa, Manhattan, Take Five, Home Again, Long Gone Bird, Tell The Truth, Back In Love Again, St. Louis Blues, Girl Talk, She's Alright, Misty
Personnel
Phil Upchurch
guitarPhil Upchurch, guitar; David Arnay, piano; Kevin Axt, bass; Vince Wilburn Jr., drums; Mike Smith, percussion
Album information
Title: Tell The Truth! | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Evidence Music
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