Skipper and Crew

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"Three Card Molly" - Skipper and Crew

From Cadence Vol. 31, No. 10, October 2005

Three Card Molly, led by journeyman bassist Henry Franklin, also showcases guitar, in this case Mark Waggoner. The quartet covers materials from the 1970s including Clare Fischer's "Pensitiva" as well as near standards such as Tony Williams' "Sister Cheryl," Elvin Jones' "Three Card Molly," and McCoy Tyner's "Search for Peace." These are mixed in with several compatible originals from the band. Franklin's bass commands attention, whether reiterating a single two-note figure as he does on "One for Leroy," or walking fleetly on the closer, Waggoner's "Kamua." His fat bass sound and insistent pulse presides at the center of the proceedings. With drummer Tony Austin enforcing the groove, Waggoner and pianist Katsuyama unwind. Waggoner's lines bubble up while Katsuyama's single note lines inevitably build to two-fisted conclusions. On one hand you could look at this as little more than another solidly swinging mainstream session, but you couldn't ask for the musicians to invest more of themselves in this session. It's a safe bet that this session will satisfy mainstream bop lovers.

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