Avery Sharpe Albums (8)
What The Critics Say
Although Avery Sharpe has a long list of impressive credits as a sideman, the veteran bassist's catalog as a leader isn't nearly as large as his admirers would like it to be. Many of the heavyweights Sharpe has backed over the years (including McCoy Tyner and Archie Shepp) have much larger catalogs. Regardless, Sharpe has provided some fine albums as a leader along the way, and Autumn Moonlight is nothing to complain about. Recorded in 2008, this solid post-bop outing finds Sharpe forming an acoustic trio with pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs and drummer Winard Harper. Straight-ahead jazz dates often emphasize standards -- perhaps Tin Pan Alley standards, perhaps hard bop standards, perhaps post-bop standards -- but Autumn Moonlight doesn't take the "jazz as repertory music" approach. Instead, Sharpe's own compositions dominate the 59-minute CD, and the lyrical Gumbs contributed two pieces as well. The only songs on Autumn Moonlight that weren't written by either Sharpe or Gumbs are trumpeter Woody Shaw's "Organ Grinder" and James Taylor's "Fire and Rain," which works perfectly well in a post-bop setting. Sharpe and his colleagues don't offer a lame note-for-note cover of "Fire and Rain" or approach the soft rock/adult contemporary favorite as elevator music the way that so many smooth jazz automatons would; instead, they improvise enthusiastically and provide an interpretation that has a serious acoustic jazz perspective. Autumn Moonlight isn't quite as essential as the excellent Legends and Mentors album that Sharpe recorded in 2007; even so, it's a rewarding effort that finds him on top of his game as both an upright bassist and a composer. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
During his long career, bassist Avery Sharpe spent an extended time working with pianist McCoy Tyner, in addition to stints with Archie Shepp and Yusef Lateef. Legends and Mentors is a tribute to these three musicians; Sharpe chose to dedicate an original to each one, along with interpreting a pair of originals by each player. He recruited a top-notch band for this session, including pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs, violinist John Blake, alto saxophonist/soprano saxophonist/flautist Joe Ford, and drummer Winard Harper. The bassist's intense "Big Mac (Bro. Tyner)" is an excellent tribute to the piano giant, including stylistic influences of Tyner without sounding like he is copying his sound. Blake's poignant violin blends well with Ford's soprano sax in the warm take of Tyner's "Ballad for Aisha," while it is the infectious playing of the rhythm section that carries the furious Afro-Bossa groove of Tyner's "Fly with the Wind." Sharpe's complex elements of "The Chief (Bro. Shepp)" demonstrate that the bassist learned much from his time as Shepp's student. Ford is back on soprano for Shepp's ballad "Steam" and alto for the furious workout of Shepp's "Ujaama." The career of Yusef Lateef has been among the most diverse in jazz. Sharpe's "Gentle Giant (Bro. Lateef)" captures the exotic nature of Lateef's music, with Ford's haunting flute prominent. Lateef's rhythmic "Morning" suggests a tribal song at daybreak in Africa, with the rhythm section providing a chant-like vamp behind Ford's alto and Blake playing a droning pizzicato line. Throughout the date Sharpe's basslines glue the rhythm section together and his solos are on the money. Lateef's rapid-fire "Beacuse They Love Me" leans toward avant-garde jazz, with some of the most risk-taking solos of the date. This CD is easily one of Avery Sharpe's best efforts as a leader. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Avery Sharpe, best known for his long association with McCoy Tyner, is a superior bassist. On some of the selections on Dragon Fly, he overdubs a second bass part and can be heard soloing like a guitar over his own accompaniment in a quartet that also includes pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs and drummer Winard Harper. Most of the other selections are trio numbers although there are two appearances by tenor-saxophonist Chico Freeman and three vocals from Jeri Brown with Athina heard on background vocals on "Swingfield." Brown, who scats well on "My Favorite Things," is featured on "Change" in a duet with Sharpe. But since Sharpe is the dominant voice, the relaxed Dragon Fly set is primarily of interest to lovers of the string bass. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Extended Family, Vol. 3: Family Values'
Release Date 1/1/2001
Tracks 12
Label JKNM
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What The Critics Say
Bassist/composer Avery Sharpe finalizes the trilogy of Extended Family (1994) and Extended Family, Vol. 2 (1995) with this cheery 2001 release, featuring guitarist Kevin Eubanks, violinist John Blake, and others of note. A longtime musical associate of jazz pianist McCoy Tyner, the artist's commanding technical faculties and strong compositional frameworks reign supreme here. Sharpe's acute visions provide the listener with a variegated set consisting of funk/gospel ballads, tuneful chamber-like passages, uplifting vocals by Gayle Dixon, and more. Essentially, the bassist offers the best of both worlds, whether performing fluid arco-basslines or laying down a booming swing groove, as no two pieces sound alike. However, there is a noticeable ebb and flow or sustained sense of continuity throughout many of these interweaving textures, up-tempo swing vamps, and enticing themes, supplemented by Eubanks and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith's often-blistering excursions. Overall, Sharpe's opuses are all about memorable melodies and contrasting elements amid the musicians' passionate soloing and deft expressionism. Consequently, the leader's optimistic communiqué rings loud and clear during this finely crafted and all-inclusive outing. Recommended. ~ Glenn Astarita, All Music Guide
'Extended Family, Vol. 2: Thoughts of My Ancestors'
Release Date 6/1/1995
Tracks 10
Label Jade
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