Joined by a crew of kindred spirits and fellow members of the Brooklyn Jazz Underground, Owen Howard swings with authority while cutting up the beat in creative ways in this tribute to great drummer-composer-bandleaders like Peter Erskine (“Bulgaria”), Tony Williams (“Arboretum”), Billy Hart (“Duchess”), Al Foster (“The Chief”) and Jack DeJohnette (“Zoot Suite”). Howard’s penchant for color and melody on the kit is best exemplified on a stunning rendition of Paul Motian’s “It Should Have Happened a Long Time Ago,” and on Ed Blackwell’s decidedly African-influenced “Togo.” He also gives a nod to two old-school drumming icons in Chick Webb (“Stompin’ at the Savoy”) and Shelly Manne (a slick brushes showcase on “Flip,” accompanied only by trombonist Alan Ferber and bass clarinetist Adam Kolker). This is jazz history from the drummer’s perspective.
Originally PublishedOwen Howard : Drum Lore
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