Rodney Whitaker Quintet - Ballads And Blues The Brooklyn Session

Review by Kevin Gillan

The Rodney Whitaker Quintet's album "Ballads and Blues: The Brooklyn Session" is a soulful and sophisticated jazz offering that showcases the virtuosity of the ensemble. Recorded live in Brooklyn, the album features Whitaker on bass, along with saxophonist Antonio Hart, pianist Bruce Barth, drummer Gregory Hutchinson, and trumpeter Terell Stafford.

The album opens with "For All We Know," a tender ballad that sets the tone for the rest of the record. The quintet's chemistry is immediately apparent, with each musician contributing to the overall sound. Stafford's trumpet solo is particularly stirring, and Hart's saxophone adds a touch of melancholy.

The album's title track, "Ballads and Blues," is a languid and bluesy number that allows each musician to shine. Whitaker's bass playing is particularly noteworthy, anchoring the song with a steady, yet expressive, rhythm.

Other standout tracks include "The Nearness of You," a romantic ballad that features a beautiful piano solo by Barth, and "I'll Remember April," a fast-paced tune that showcases the quintet's technical prowess.

Summary by Kevin Gillan

"Ballads and Blues: The Brooklyn Session" is a polished and sophisticated jazz album that will appeal to fans of the genre. The musicianship on display is impressive, and the live recording adds an extra level of energy and spontaneity to the proceedings. Highly recommended.