Buell Neidlinger - Locomotive

Buell Neidlinger-led bad named 'Buell Neidlinger's String Jazz' engage in a unique and lively collection of original arrangements of seven Monk and four Ellington standards. The band features Neidlinger's bass leading a tenor saxophone (Marty Krystall, who Neidlinger worked with often), violin, mandolin and drums. Characteristically piano-less, this quintet plays in an old-timey carnival-esque style which seems less of a throwback and more of an enticing invitation to imagine a world of American music where swing, bop and rock and roll (and, perhaps, even the automobile) had never existed. Like other Neidlinger albums (see his exploration of Herbie Nichols' compositions) this is intensely musical, firmly rooted in the jazz tradition and a fascinating work.

Performers: Buell Neidlinger (bs), Marty Krystall (t-sx), Brenton Banks (vi), John Kurnick (mandolin), Billy Osbourne (dr)

1. Rockin' In Rhythm

2. Raise Four

3. Locomotive

4. Jumpin' Punkins

5. Skippy

6. Jackie-ing

7. I Mean You

8. Subtle Slough

9. Brake's Sake

10. Boo Boo's Birthday

11. Mainstem

mp3/320kbps