Pharez Whitted – Transient Journey – Owl Studios

by | Apr 19, 2010 | Jazz CD Reviews | 0 comments

Pharez Whitted – Transient Journey – Owl Studios OWL 00114, 71:09 ****:

(Pharez Whitted, trumpet/flugelhorn; Eddie Bayard, tenor and soprano sax; Bobby Broom, guitar; Ron Perrillo, piano and keyboards; Dennis Carroll, bass; Greg Artry, drums)

It has been 14 years since the last Pharez Whitted album – way too long -and if his new CD, Transient Journey, receives the air time that is deserved, I’d imagine we’ll see another Whitted led session within the next year. Pharez is the nephew of trombone great, Slide Hampton, and Mr. Whitted’s mother played bass for her brother, Slide, while his father played drums early on for Indianapolis native, Freddie Hubbard. Pharez’ siblings are also musicians. One thing is for sure – there must have been some smoking music playing in the Whitted/Hampton household as this CD brought a smile to my hard bop loving face. Whitted’s CD has the feel of a classic 60s era Blue Note release from the git-go.

Pharez is not a Hubbard clone, but he certainly has Freddie’s brashness and power on the horn. The Truth Seeker has an opening statement from the horns that tells you something special is going on. Eddie Bayard’s sax then wails over the keyboard and Pharez pushes the pulse while Greg Artry on drums is upfront in the mix. Ron Perrilo’s electric keyboard has a sheen and sparkle that is also felt. The title track, per Pharez, is about his life’s journey and the changes it has brought. Bobby Broom’s bluesy guitar solo is highly emotional, and Perrillo’s soulful statement follows suit. It is a gorgeous track. Brother Thomas, written for Whitted’s brother, continues the soulful vibe that Transient Journey set. Again Broom’s solo stands out and keeps your head bobbin.’ When Pharez has his turn to solo, there is no doubt that he shines on blues-based tunes.

Plicky, named for Pharez’ sister, is more beat driven, and its intensity brings out more of the trumpet’s higher register, while Bayard enters with a borderline avant statement. Sunset on the Gaza, written for that troubled part of the Middle East, has a peaceful feel that Whitted hopes can come if cooler heads prevail. At the very least, music can sooth the soul…

Whitted honors Barack Obama with two compositions, Our Man Barack, and Yes We Can (one of Obama’s election themes). Both have a joyful aura that belies the hope that members of the creative arts had when Barack was elected – a feel that the arts would again have a honored place in our society.

Pharez Whitted’s journey to Chicago has recharged his jets. As a member of the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, he can show his prowess as a major trumpeter.  Transient Journey will go a long way to cement that reputation. Whitted is positioned to enter the next generation of trumpet elite. The future looks promising…

TrackList:
The Truth Seeker, Transient Journey, Brother Thomas, Monkish, Plicky, Sunset on the Gaza, OS Who, Until Tomorrow Comes, Our Man Barack, Soul Mates, Yes We Can

– Jeff Krow

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