Quiet Fire in Bloomington, MN

George Cables
primarily focuses on
jazz
compositions in this 1994 trio session with bassist
Ron McClure
and drummer
Billy Hart
. His dazzling technique is heard full force in
Gary Bartz
's slinky, driving
blues
"Uncle Bubba,"
while his treatment of former boss
Dexter Gordon
's
"Fried Bananas"
(based on the chord changes to the standard
"It Could Happen to You"
) is a rollicking affair as well. Pianist
John Hicks
'
"Naima's Love Song"
isn't all that well known, but
Cables
' sensitive Latin interpretation, with great support from
McClure
and
Hart
's light touches make it a piece worth greater exploration in the
world. The trio dives headlong into
Freddie Hubbard
's rapid-fire
modal
composition
"The Decrepit Fox"
(a hilarious name for such a demanding piece!), turning in a fiery performance.
' one original,
"Quiet Fire,"
is a cooking
post-bop
affair as well. The pianist's lyrical side is apparent in the standard
"My Ship,"
while the intriguing
calypso
introduction to
"You Stepped Out of a Dream"
leads into a pulsating
samba
treatment. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden