TITLES

Junkanoo

Junkanoo Radio Edits

MUSICIANS

Barbara Dennerlein
- hammond organ, synthsizers (all titles)
- footpedals (2, 3, 5, 6; R.Ed. 1)
- grand piano (1, 8)
Don Alias - percussion (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9; R.Ed. 1, 2, 3)
Randy Brecker - trumpet, flugelhorn (1, 2, 3, 4, 9; R.Ed. 1, 3)
Dennis Chambers - drums (all titles except 8)
Thomas Chapin - flute (7; R.Ed. 3)
Frank Colon - percussion (5, 8)
Howard Johnson - baritone saxophone, tuba (1, 2, 4; R.Ed. 1)
Frank Lacy - trombone (3, 4, 7; R.Ed. 3)
Joe Locke - vibraphone (4, 7, 8, 9; R.Ed. 2, 3)
David Murray - tenor saxophone, bass clarinet (1, 2, 4, 6, 9; R.Ed. 1, 2)
Lonnie Plaxico - electric/upright bass (1, 4, 7, 8, 9; R.Ed. 2, 3)
David Sanchez - tenor/soprano saxophone (3, 5, 7; R.Ed. 3)
Mitch Watkins - guitar (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9; R.Ed. 1, 2, 3)

SITUATION

Studio recording
October 1996, Avatar Studios, New York City, USA

REVIEWS

There's a magic moment on organist Barbara Dennerlein's second Verve album, JUNKANOO: it comes on the out-chorus of "Easy Going," a straightahead swinger. Tenorman David Murray and Dennerlein are trading licks over a repeated bass line, when out of nowhere, both hit a high sustained C. Spontaneous? Rehearsed? I don't know. But it gave me goosebumps and made me realize what I found so attractive about this new release. I can't help but feel the joy of the musicians who participated. I can taste it, see the grins...

JUNKANOO is intended as a showcase for Dennerlein's composing talents, and every piece on here has its merits. They range from bouncing fusion through 1970's-style organ funk-jazz to samba; most simple harmonically but with unpredictable melodies, they give this all-star array of soloists some flexing room.

The Davids -- Murray and Sanchez -- alternate on tenor, with an eclectic mix of horns complimenting them, including Howard Johnson (tuba) and Frank Lacy (trombone). Omnipresent trumpeter Randy Brecker contributes some good work, notable a brief but exciting foray into the funky "Walk on Air."

But Dennerlein herself is the real gem. She's one of the few organists on the scene who's manage to break free of the Jimmy Smith mould, giving us something fresh on the hammond for a change. Her work on JUNKANOO shows a range few of her organ colleagues can muster: subtle, lyrical, funky, it all seems within reach. She's not breaking ground -- I don't think she pretends to -- but any red-blooded fan of organ jazz should be thrilled she's out there and putting out quality music.

(Jeff Morris, 52ndstreet.com)

ALBUMS

CD Verve 314 537 122-2
1997, released in USA
jewelcase with blue sticker
CD Verve 537 122-2
1997, released in Germany
jewelcase with brown sticker
CD Verve 537 122-2
1997, released in Germany
cover with printed 'sticker'
CD Verve 537 122-2
1997, released in Germany
promo, cardboard sleeve
MCD Verve 537 880-2
1997, released in Germany
'Radio Edits', promo, cardboard sleeve
CD Verve 0005 898
released in Germany
jewelcase with sticker, CD silver with label "Swiss Life Edition"
CD
Bootleg, Russia, 1997
no label / order number
"Limited Edition" instead of Verve logo