Nat Simpkins - Spare Ribs (2006)

Tracklist

01. Muchacho
02. Rib Joint
03. Slo Movin Freight
04. Arnett Is Comin to Town
05. Autumn in New York
06. Calypso Gal
07. Sandys Song
08. Gospel Truth
09. Cleanhead Shuffle

Nat Simpkins is a tenor saxophonist heavily influenced by the sound of Stanley Turrentine; he even sounds like Mr. T. on a number called "Arnett Is Comin' to Town" (for Arnett Cobb). Joined by guitarist Eric Johnson, organist Dave Braham, drummer Cecil Brooks III and Ralph Dorsey on conga, Simpkins (who had previously led two record dates for Muse) is heard throughout in excellent form. The repertoire consists of eight of his originals (they cover a wide area from "Rib Joint" and "Slo Movin Freight" to "Calypso Gal" and "Gospel Truth"), plus the standard "Autumn in New York." The music is very much in the soul-jazz/hard bop tradition and is both accessible and full of subtle surprises. Recommended and well worth searching for.

Nat Simpkins - Saxophone
Eric Johnson - Guitar
Dave Braham - Organ
Cecil Brooks III - Drums
Ralph Dorsey - Congas

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