VA - Best Of MapleShade Vol. 3: Jazz Grooves (2010)

From the opening brass-and-conga invocation of A La Carte’s rousing version of the Lee Morgan classic “Sidewinder” to the closing drum-roll of Thurman Green’s “Struttin’ With Some Barbeque”, Best Of Mapleshade Vol.3 gives exactly what the title promises: fifty-seven minutes of infectious jazz grooves. And the sonics deliver the live, in-your-face excitement of these on-fire musicians. The tempos move from blazing to stomping to sultry, then back again. Styles range from bebop and big bands to latin jazz and even touches of fusion. But each track is anchored in an irresistibly rhythmic groove—and more walking bass lines than you can shake a stick at. I’ve included some of my very favorite cookers by Clifford Jordan, Hamiet Bluiett, Norris Turney, Jack Jeffers, and many more. If Jazz Grooves doesn’t get you foot tappin’ and your legs moving, better check your pulse. --