This post is by Dan
Recorded April 15 and 16, 1988
The 'Bird that Bobby Hutcherson and his mates are cruisin' in this album is not Charlie Parker but rather Hutcherson's vintage Thunderbird ride pictured on the album cover. Cruisin' the 'Bird is a terrific album featuring four of my favorite players and a rare appearance by pianist Buddy Montgomery, brother of guitarist Wes Montgomery.
The Landmark label was run by Orrin Keepnews and turned out an impressive series of albums throughout the 1980s. This is my favorite of the lot. It features Hutcherson on both vibes and marimba, occasionally on the same tune, and Ralph Moore playing both tenor and soprano saxophones. The leader contributes four original compositions to complement three standards. The originals are all based on simple figures that allow each soloist to explore melodic ideas without having a series of chords to constrain them. The standards rely on imaginative arrangements. "Chelsea Bridge" is the most intriguing, as it is not a tune you hear played on the vibes very often. Hutcherson's version is gentle but not sentimental.
The guest pianist, Buddy Montgomery, offers up economical solos. especially on "Come Rain or Come Shine." Bassist Rufus Reid also solos on this tune and gets a huge sound that gives the group a great foundation.
The jazz world in the late 1980s was very fortunate to have wonderful albums like this coming out on a regular basis. Thanks go to Orrin Keepnews and his Landmark label, which does a great job of digital recording and pressing vinyl from digital sources.
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