Back
 | Richard RingRing In MinorLabel: Justin Time | Jazz | May 3, 1996Format UPC Order # Unit Price |
Credits Oliver Jones piano (on tracks 01, 04 and 08) Jean LeBrun flute Ranee Lee voice (on tracks 05 and 09) Wali Muhammad drums Richard Ring guitar Tilden Webb piano Dave Young bass Production Credits | TracksNo Title Duration Excerpts 02 Con Alma 00:05:24 03 Some Embraceable Dream Medley: Like Someone In Love / Embraceable You / Darn That Dream 00:03:20 04 I'll Remember April 00:06:44 05 Monk's Mood 00:04:56 06 Little Rootie Tootie 00:07:14 09 Triste 00:05:04 10 Leanna 00:04:12 Liner NotesThis Richard Ring recording reminds me of a warm and comfortable get-together of friends, old and new. Richard's playing encompasses quiet moodiness to spirited shouts throughout the CD. He is steadfast in the pursuit of his jazz concepts and there is a solid uniqueness to his style. Listener satisfaction is guaranteed by the constant fibre of his musical convictions. The performances of Richard and his "Jazz Friends" comprise a variety of ambiences, which, in turn, enhance their satisfying musical conversations.In the opening selection, I'll Remember April, there is a highly motivated discussion between Richard and Oliver Jones with sounds that provide comfortable directions to their exciting exchange. Here, the listener is privy to their intimate dialogue - "You don't say! - Yes I do! - Well, OK, but this is how I feel! - I hear you and I have this comment to make!" As a guest, Oliver's consummate technique allows him total freedom of expression. His facility is not taken casually. On the contrary, his inspired playing is sensitive and intense at all dynamic levels. The musical contributions of both Richard and Oliver, two "newer" old friends of mine, kindle warm, fine, and mellow thoughts. Their personal friendship comes through in their musical empathy for each other. For the listener, this could be transposed into ones own series of personal memories, recollections and musings. Another "Jazz Friend" on the CD is Dave Young, an "older" old friend of mine. Dave continues to reward me with friendship and I can always count on interesting listening as a result of his constantly evolving musicality. This is displayed throughout, in the lyrical bass lines which he matches with a full, warm and communicating sound. Other friends, "newer" new friends to me are Jean LeBrun / flute, Tilden Webb / piano and Wali Muhammad / drums. Then there is my "dearer'' friend, Ranee Lee, whose cameo appearances add a gentle and loving enhancement to the pace of the recording. There is a musical awareness in these "Jazz Friends" that Richard has chosen: the duo of Richard and Oliver; Richard and the rhythm section of Tilden, Dave and Wali; the flute of Jean and the voice of Ranee and finally Richard's solo guitar soliloquy with three old musical friends - Like Someone In Love, Embraceable You and Darn That Dream. These Tin Pan Alley standards are represented sensitively through a variety of moods that fulfill all listening situations. The thoughtful matching of repertoire and instrumentation moves the listener into a reverie of personal interpretation of the sounds. Richard has created a comfortable warmth, unmistakable throughout, thanks to the choice of material and the artistry of the musicians. They reach out to the listener with an invitation to participate and contribute. The past comes alive with the vitality of our involvement in the present. What a joy for any listener to be part of the total creative circle. Old friends greeting old friends, old friends finding new friends, new friends becoming old friends, "Justin Time" being "Jazz Friends" Who could ask for anything more? Enjoy! Phil Nimmons, O.C., O.Ont. Phil Nimmons is unique in Canada as a performer, composer, educator, clinician and artistic director of music programs over the last five decades. |
© 1996 - 2006 Justin Time Records
