KEVIN GOLDEN TRIO
PELHAM PARKWAY - Recording Review
A talented straight ahead guitarist, Kevin Golden has been performing in the New
York area for nearly three decades. Pelham Parkway, which features seven of his
original tunes, is his debut as a leader.
For this project, the guitarist teams up with organist Akiko Tsuruga (who has worked
with Lou Donaldson, Eric Alexander and Frank Wess) and drummer Peter Grant,
whose history includes associations with Gerry Mulligan, Peggy Lee and the New
York Voices. Golden’s music features the classic organ trio performing swinging and
forward-looking hard bop pieces
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KEVIN GOLDEN TRIO
PELHAM PARKWAY - Recording Review
A talented straight ahead guitarist, Kevin Golden has been performing in the New
York area for nearly three decades. Pelham Parkway, which features seven of his
original tunes, is his debut as a leader.
For this project, the guitarist teams up with organist Akiko Tsuruga (who has worked
with Lou Donaldson, Eric Alexander and Frank Wess) and drummer Peter Grant,
whose history includes associations with Gerry Mulligan, Peggy Lee and the New
York Voices. Golden’s music features the classic organ trio performing swinging and
forward-looking hard bop pieces.
The opener, “Market Square,” utilizes the chord changes of a swing standard that
was the theme song of a famous trombonist bandleader. It has been given a
downward but cheerful melody that inspires inventive solos by Golden and Tsuruga
along with a brief tradeoff with Grant. “Let’s Do This” is a minor-toned swinger that
works particularly well with this group. “JJ’s Smove Groove” is a blues in a minor key
that really grooves.
“Pelham Parkway” has Golden improvising some speedy guitar lines over the cooking
rhythm section. “Where Are They Now” is a harmonically advanced ballad that is
given a thoughtful and heartfelt statement from the guitarist. “Let’s Make The Time”
has a melody that is so singable that lyrics should be written for it someday. The
closer, “Cherry Pie,” finds the trio excelling on some funky soul jazz that is infectious
but never predictable.
In addition to the excellent playing of the three musicians, Pelham Parkway is most
notable for Kevin Golden’s compositions and the attractive group sound which
updates the organ trio tradition. It is heartily recommended.
Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian and author of 11 books including The Great
Jazz Guitarists, The Jazz Singers, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76Type
your paragraph here.
“Guitarist Golden is a musician who stands out as a fine player and has that hand
strumming style (think Wes Montgomery) that is gentle when it can be and brutally
powerful at the most unexpected moments.”.................John Book, The Run Off
Groove #214
“……guitarist Kevin Golden whose pronounced play on the album makes him sort of
the co-leader as his guitar shares much of the lead with Antonelli on the tenor. Co-
written by guitarist Golden, “Golden Opportunity” opens up the program and this one
features Golden, Antonelli and the drummer all delivering swinging
solos.”………….Edward Blanco, ejazznews
“…. Kevin Golden’s guitar mastery to give the listener 11 very solid tracks that make
for totally enjoyable listening”………….Rotcod Zzad, Improvijazzation Nation Issue
#83
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