Nothing But The Truth
THE DAN COY TRIO
AVL10650
http://dancoy.iuma.com
Dan Coy - Guitar
Dave Webb - Bass
Paul Fallat - Drums
This album was recorded live at Smith's Olde Bar
(downstairs) Atlanta, GA in November of 1997 - March 1998. Dan
Coy delivers some great jazz done in his own unique style,
interpreting many legends like Benny Goodman, Thelonius Monk,
Sonny Rollins, and others.
Opening with "Rhythm-A-Ning" by T. Monk (3:21), he
immediately displays his talent. On "Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues Are"
another by Monk (6:12) Coy delivers a nuanced, rich exotic
version.
I really enjoyed "St. Thomas" (3:52) by Sonny Rollins. On
this number the band really plays off each other, the bass laying
down that foundation and creating a solid feel. The bass line in
places sounded like a drum. The 'bam bam' man also jams on his
set, and these support the clever axe of Coy. We next enter into
an interesting and long (7:13) musical excursion on "Killer Joe"
written by Benny Golson. On this cut the guitar exudes nuanced,
sophisticated notes and chords. His nice riffs and hot,
imaginative lead parts display a talented artist I was not aware
of. The long track permits some exploration of neat sounds. The
bass also presents some rich, thick killer vibrations. All these
supported by nice percussion and drum work. This is vital jazz at
its best. The music has such a clean feel it's hard to imagine
that it was recorded live! I enjoyed the LEE RITTENOUR-ish notes
and fancy finger work of Dan Coy. A fine tune.
"Little Sunflower" (4:53) [Freddie Hubbard] is a bright,
somewhat sophisticated number. This cut was one of my favorites
from the CD. This is smart jazz with a great sense to it, and yet
we have three players. Speaks well for their together playing.
Yes this is live, as one can hear some applause at the end of the
song. The next selection is "Impressions" (3:26) [John Coltrane]
and the pace is faster with sharp, quick notes from the guitar,
and that bass player really cooks. These two go off each other
quite well. This is an excellent little number--basic, solid
without the fancy fluff. The next cut is "Naima" (4:42) another
work by Coltrane. The mood is more creative. An almost avant
gardish sense is displayed here. The recording is so good I can
hear very distant voices and glasses from the bar. This give this
one a unique tint to it. The audience really liked this cut...so
did I. An obvious edit cutting off in the middle of the applause
was noticeable.
Oliver Nelson wrote "Stolen Moments" (5:59) and here Coy
gets into this classy number. I loved the bright, rich sound from
that axe! Not only can he play but the setup on those pick-ups is
perfect. Coy plays with such dexterity, chords, notes,
combinations, and a whole lot more. Add that fat bass music to
the song and we have a real winner. Bravo! This leads us to the
next selection "Bye-Ya" (2:19) another Monk tune. While short
this tiny cut does work with its funky bluesy aura.
"Jean Pierre" (6:15) by Miles Davis is the 10th number on
the CD. The track opens with neat percussion and a solid beat
joined by the solid bass and perky guitar. They display a more
off-beat mood on this song and appropriately so as they capture
some of the Davis mystique. The feel is funky, tough, and a bit
rebellious. The song has an interesting arrangement mid-way
through it. Playing is creative and "into it." The drummer jams
on this cut wildly, a chance to let loose and display his wares.
A very interesting cut.
The CD closes with track #11 called "Seven Come Eleven"
(3:14) [Benny Goodman]. Here they get into the song and display
more of their creativity. So ends this fine album. I am very
impressed by Dan Coy and the DAN COY TRIO. I had never heard of
them, so I am pleasantly surprised by this talent. You've got to
hear them. If you like great jazz, clean and hot jazz guitar, and
live interpretations of songs written by some great jazz masters,
you MUST check out this album!