Pianist Roberts, drummer Jason Marsalis, and bassist Roland Guerin (joined on two tracks by percussionist Antonio Sanchez) work more as equals than as leader plus sidemen. This is not music by Ellington, incidentally, but an original suite dedicated to him. If it lacks the melodic richness and strength of Ellington's own more compelling work, it's still quirky, inventive, and surprise-filled.
Add your comment
The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk * indicates a required field.