This post is by Scott and Dan
Recorded June 7-9, 1988
Joe Lovano's recording debut dates back to 1975 when he appeared on a pair of Lonnie Smith albums. His first album as a leader was Village Rhythm for Soul Note. It not only showcases his great tenor playing but also his compositional skills. Ten of the eleven tracks are written by Lovano, the other one by Charles Mingus. It was recorded in New York City.
The band assembled could not have been better. Sharing the bandstand with Tom Harrell became a frequent practice for the tenorist. The two played together on over 30 albums over a 30-year period. Listening to Village Rhythm, one can easily hear why. Paul Motian would become a regular employer of both Lovano and Bill Frisell in their famous trio, and Marc Johnson had become a star of his own right on the bass. Kenny Werner rounds out the rhythm section and contributes outstanding solos when called upon.
Most albums have at least one dud on them. Not Village Rhythm. Everything works: the tunes themselves, the group interplay, the solos, and the production. The post-bop sensibilities are in place but do not dominate the gentler, more passionate tunes from Lovano's pen. The Mingus selection, "Duke Ellington's Sound of Love," is a wonderful choice for displaying the orchestral range of the quintet.
At age 70, Lovano continues to tour and record internationally. His accolades are too numerous to mention, and his recorded legacy has grown enormously. Village Rhythm clearly signaled that greatness lay ahead for one of the most prolific jazz artists over the last half century.
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