I have acquired a lot of music in the past couple of months, and have intended to write about much of it, but the going has been slow.
I will start with a great new CD on Delmark, by my Lucky 7s colleague Keefe Jackson. Ready Everyday is the new album from Keefe’s band Fast Citizens. It is a pleasing balance of composition and freedom. The band is excellent. Frank Rosaly and Anton Hatwich provide a great feeling drive and swing, and the improvisations are excellent.
I have to give some props to the other member of the Lucky 7s on this album, cornetist Josh Berman. I know Josh is bad from playing with him, but everytime I hear him on something new, I dig his stuff even more. That’s also an indicator of Keefe’s sucess as a bandleader; he puts the musicians in situations that allow them to shine. Check out Ready Everyday, it is well worth it.