Brilliant Corners, 14 Mar 2006
The version of Brilliant Corners on this CD is the most convincing, coherent and exciting account of any Monk tune I've heard outside of Monk's own recordings. Nothing else on the CD appeals to me so greatly ... yet. With music like this it can take time to fall in love, so I wouldn't rule out the possibility that other tracks may, in the end, please me even more. Either way, it's definitely worth having this CD if you like Braxton or Monk; or if you don't know about either of them but you like adventurous music.

Brilliant Corners, 14 Mar 2006
The version of Brilliant Corners on this CD is the most convincing, coherent and exciting account of any Monk tune I've heard outside of Monk's own recordings. Nothing else on the CD appeals to me so greatly ... yet. With music like this it can take time to fall in love, so I wouldn't rule out the possibility that other tracks may, in the end, please me even more. Either way, it's definitely worth having this CD if you like Braxton or Monk; or if you don't know about either of them but you like adventurous music.

Saxophone Heaven !!, 27 Feb 2007
I've had this one a while ; some of Hemphills finest post WSQ work, a master composer/arranger shows both the raw fervour and sophistication in his work. some of his great tunes like "Otis groove", "Flooppy" , "Fat man", "Anchor", Hard Blues" Hemphills arrangements enlarge these basic melodies bring out both the elemental and complex, the black american church, gospel, earthy blues, collective improv and textures of free jazz, the harmonic richness of an Ellingtonian sax section, I love the way the soloists and ensemble switch lead and support roles , improv and written music blending seamlessly. No other reviews ? no one else knows this music, what a shame , these Hemphill was a contemporary master definitely derserve a greater audience, this music is still creative + rewarding. An excellent disc worth many repeated listenings.

Brilliant Corners, 14 Mar 2006
The version of Brilliant Corners on this CD is the most convincing, coherent and exciting account of any Monk tune I've heard outside of Monk's own recordings. Nothing else on the CD appeals to me so greatly ... yet. With music like this it can take time to fall in love, so I wouldn't rule out the possibility that other tracks may, in the end, please me even more. Either way, it's definitely worth having this CD if you like Braxton or Monk; or if you don't know about either of them but you like adventurous music.

Saxophone Heaven !!, 27 Feb 2007
I've had this one a while ; some of Hemphills finest post WSQ work, a master composer/arranger shows both the raw fervour and sophistication in his work. some of his great tunes like "Otis groove", "Flooppy" , "Fat man", "Anchor", Hard Blues" Hemphills arrangements enlarge these basic melodies bring out both the elemental and complex, the black american church, gospel, earthy blues, collective improv and textures of free jazz, the harmonic richness of an Ellingtonian sax section, I love the way the soloists and ensemble switch lead and support roles , improv and written music blending seamlessly. No other reviews ? no one else knows this music, what a shame , these Hemphill was a contemporary master definitely derserve a greater audience, this music is still creative + rewarding. An excellent disc worth many repeated listenings.

Some Majestic Music !!, 05 Feb 2008
Great disc, one of Abrams finest, example of what a contemporary big band is capable of in the hands of a master composer/arranger, some ace compositions like "Bloodline" + title track "Blu Blu Blu" a homage to Chicago blues Muddy Waters. Highlights among soloists include a whistler extraodinaire Joel Brandon, amazing sound and improvising. This album is 18 years old and still vital doc of post-AACM jazz