COMPOSERS: Barbara Dennerlein
LABELS: Enja
WORKS: That's Me
PERFORMER: Barbara Dennerlein (Hammond organ, synthesiser)/Bob Berg, Dennis Chambers, Ray Anderson, Mitch Watkins
CATALOGUE NO: ENJ-7043 2
Although Barbara Dennerlein has profited from the current vogue for the Hammond, she is a far more subtle and innovative musician, less 'groove' oriented than many of her Jimmy Smith-worshipping contemporaries on the instrument. That's Me demonstrates not only her ability to build tension and excitement with helter-skelter yet always cogent soloing on irresistibly catchy themes, but also highly original bass-pedal work, that enables her to reproduce a variety of anchoring sounds, including an astonishingly lifelike 'string bass'.
Featuring stellar collaborators such as ex-Miles Davis tenorman Bob Berg, ex-John Scofield drummer Dennis Chambers, and two former associates: poll-winning trombonist Ray Anderson and top electric guitarist Mitch Watkins, That's Me combines instant accessibility with tremendous thoughtfulness and care. Highly recommended. Chris Parker