LEON ANDERSON

LIVE AT SNUG HARBOR

Outside In Music

Leon Anderson, drums/composer; Rodney Jordan, bass; Oscar Rossignoli, piano; Ricardo Pascal, saxophone; John Michael Bradford, trumpet.

Drummer, Leon Anderson leads his group with energy and Straight-ahead excitement.  The first song out-the-gate is titled “P.J.’s” and it swings hard.  Anderson’s aspiration to perform at Snug Harbor was fulfilled when Ellis Marsalis and Victor Goines hired him as their house drummer. After that, he found himself playing there four to five times a week.  Twenty years later, he’s recording his debut ‘live’ album.  Bassist Rodney Jordan has worked with Anderson for two decades.  He is brilliantly featured on the second tune, “Lil’ Miss Ariel,” that uses a few of the chord changes from “September in the Rain.”  Jordan has a big, warm, round sound on the double bass. Ricardo Pascal is a tenor saxophone player and former student of Leon Anderson’s. He plays an amazing solo on “Lil’ Froggy’s Blues.”  Also featured is Anderson himself, stepping out front with a drum solo that sparkles and engages, showing his dexterity and innovation.

On Track #5, “Understanding” John Michael Bradford makes a statement on trumpet, as does Oscar Rossignoli during his piano solo. This is a beautiful tune and another excellent composition by Leon Anderson.  Every song on this wonderful debut album by Leon Anderson was penned by the drummer.  The arrangements and the ensemble highlight Anderson’s talent as both a composer and drum master. The appreciative applause of his audience during this ‘live’ concert seems to agree.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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