By Ric Bang
Buy CD: blue(s)
Lori
Bell is no stranger to music, whether the genre is jazz or classical; she’s one
of the finest virtuoso flutists, composers, arrangers, educators and producers
of our times. This is her 10th release.
Guitarist
Ron Satterfield, less well known, began in the San Diego jazz scene. He was
making a name for himself during the 1970s and ’80s, when he fell prey to substance
abuse and hit bottom. He recovered after two years of rehabilitation, and Bell
— a close friend — played a significant role in his resurrection.
Their
collaboration here features nine tunes that are blues and/or have titles that
include the word blue. Bell plays
both the C and alto flute, and Satterfield blends his guitar work with vocals.
Bell
wrote three of the tracks: “Bell’s Blues,” “Blue Butterflies” and “Istanblue.”
The rest of the album menu features “Blue in Green” (Bill Evans and Miles
Davis), “All Blues” (also by Miles), “Blue Monk” (Thelonious Monk), “Blue” (Joni
Mitchell), “Teenie’s Blues” (Oliver Nelson') and “Blues on the Corner” (McCoy
Tyner).
They’re
all swingers. Bell has a marvelous gift for combining classical phrasing with
boppish timing, in both the melodic and solo lines. Satterfield’s guitar work
and vocals — a combination of humming, scatting and verbal lines — blend
perfectly throughout.
These
two obviously enjoy each other, an essential component of our enjoyment as
listeners. You’ll want this album in your library.
