The Reggie Buie Trio: The First Time (2006)
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=22867
BY
Published:
There
is magic in how Reggie Buie brings his piano keys to
life, allowing light and shade to emanate from each lively performance. One can
hear this on The First Time in the adrenaline rush of "Nica's Dream," the scenic reflection of
"Georgia," and the hopeless romanticism of "Betcha,
By Golly Wow."
Hailing from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the
members of the Reggie Buie Trio are veterans of the
steakhouse circuit, familiar to local jazz enthusiasts and fellow musicians but
not well-known nationally. Buie, bassist Nathan Scott
and drummer Michael Fowler comprise a sharply oiled machine, taking engaging
improvisational turns on this soothing collection of covers.
Distancing themselves from studio slickness,
the trio opts for a live feel. This decision works well for the band, because
the focus here is on the chemistry and the give and take between the musicians.
Although Buie's piano playing provides the foundation
for these songs, his bandmates are given numerous
moments to shine—like Scott's pulsating bass on "My Romance and Fowler's
energetic drums on "Nica's Dream.
Remaking the immaculate soul classic "Betcha, By Golly Wow takes tremendous courage to attempt
and top-drawer talent to pull off, but Buie's trio
manages to transform it into a moving lounge piece with guest vocals from
Charlene Williams. Some critics have lamented that Williams' voice is too far
back into the mix or shouldn't have been included in the first place, because
the music carried enough emotion on its own. While those are valid points, it's
hard to hear this piece without that golden famous chorus, and Williams
provides a soaring rendition.
Visit Reggie Buie on the web.
Track Listing: Nica's
Dream; Georgia; My Romance; Betcha, By Golly Wow;
There Is No Greater Love; I Thought About You; My One and Only Love; I Didn't
Know What Time It Is; That's All.
Personnel: Reginald Buie:
piano; Nathan Scott: bass; Michael Fowler: drums.
Record
Label: Self Produced | Style: Contemporary/Smooth