4-Play in Bloomington, MN

The group
Cold Sweat
was formed in the late '80s to play
jazz
versions of songs associated with
James Brown
. By the time they recorded their third album in 1990, that concept had largely run out of gas and instead the group interpreted an eclectic program that includes several originals by trombonist
Craig Harris
,
"'Round Midnight,"
Marvin Gaye
's
"If This World Were Mine,"
Quincy Jones
'
"The Secret Garden,"
a one-minute version of
"Nefertiti,"
and
pop
songs. Mixing together
avant-garde
players with funksters, the music is somewhat strange, disturbing, and ultimately a bore. It is a pity considering that
, trumpeter
E.J. Allen
, altoist
Sam Furnace
, and guest tenor
George Adams
are among the musicians. ~ Scott Yanow