Mind Wine: The Music of John Hicks

by John Hicks Legacy Band

Overview

John Hicks' sudden death in the spring of 2006 was a shock to the jazz world. This tribute CD salutes his work as a composer, pianist, and arranger, with the capable Larry Willis (an old friend) filling the piano chair, plus Hicks' widow, Elise Wood-Hicks, on flute; saxophonist Craig Handy; trumpeter Eddie Henderson; bassist Curtis Lundy; and drummer Steve Williams. The band opens with a breezy take of "Mind Wine," then moves on to the intricate "After the Morning," which features a captivating blend of flute and soprano sax. "Blues in the Pocket" is an upbeat hard bop vehicle that swings like mad, while the lush ballad "Heart to Heart" features Henderson's lyrical muted trumpet. "Naima's Love Song" is one of Hicks' best-known tunes, and Willis delivers the goods with his outstanding playing. Finally, Duke Ellington's "Single Petal of a Rose" is a heartfelt duet by Willis and Wood-Hicks to close the session.

Product Details

Release Date:	08/12/2008
Label:	Savant
UPC:	0633842209623
catalogNumber:	2096
Rank:	109693

Tracks

1. Mind Wine
2. After the Morning
3. Blues in the Pocket
4. Heart to Heart
5. Yemenja
6. Naima's Love Song
7. Avotcja
8. Single Petal of a Rose

Album Credits

Performance Credits

John Hicks Legacy Band   Primary Artist
Larry Willis   Piano
Eddie Henderson   Trumpet
Curtis Lundy   Bass
Craig Handy   Soprano Saxophone,Tenor Saxophone
Steve Williams   Drums
Steve "Syco Steve" Williams   Drums
Elise Wood-Hicks   Flute,Alto Flute

Technical Credits

John Hicks   Composer
Duke Ellington   Composer
Joe Fields   Executive Producer
Art Lange   Liner Notes
Elise Wood-Hicks   Audio Production