Euroclub De Jazz
Artist: Chris Cortez
Album: Mum Is The Word
Label: Blue Bamboo Music
Year: 2005
Review by: Wes Gillespie
I first heard Chris on his previous CD 'Hold It Right There' and was amazed at his dexterity and guitar playing on that 2003 CD release. I must admit that I am more in awe of his guitar playing on this album than the vocals but he has that knack of pulling off the vocals as great entertainers do.
However his guitar playing on this new release is in the same vein as those great gypsy players Django Reinhardt and Bireili Lagrene and maybe a Martin Taylor from his days with Stephane Grapelli. Some of the Latin pieces remind me of Earl Klugh, Larry Carlton and O'Donnell Levy and there is that tinge of Joao Gilberto on some of the Brazilian licks.
The choice of material on 'Mum Is The Word' is far more reaching than just gypsy covers and apart from Chris's dexterity on guitar, there is some wonderful instrumentation to be enjoyed especially the flute solos from Larry Panella on the fast moving Bonfa classic 'Manha de Carnival'.
Chris is obviously a fan of that great 'Hot Club De Paris' sound but is also a storyteller and his self penned 'Bad Attitude' might be a rendition about another lifetime or a friend but is typical of his showmanship and offers the listener a captivating 'tongue in cheek' experience.
Being a fan of the Great American Songbook and Brazilian / Latin music I was interested to listen to his uptempo arrangement of the Hoagy Carmicheal classic 'Georgia On My Mind' which showcases Cortez's lightning guitar riffs and spontaneity. The rhythm section glide along with a particularly memorable Sam Burton piano solo.
His version of Luis Bonfa's bossa 'Manha de Carnval' is summer fresh and exudes the romantic lyricism of this tightly constructed melody with exotic flute solos blended with Cortez's intriguing guitar tapestry make for a very creditable take on one of the most revered of all Brazilian pieces.
This album covers a panopoly of styles along its journey rather like a meandering river winding downstream, the self penned 'Trouble With Larry' offers a more gentle side to Chris Cortez with a lilting Latin excursion featuring the flugelhorn of John Reid brought to front and centre with Cortez sounding like a younger Earl Klugh on this majestic track which, at times is also reminiscent of the 80's sound of Chuck Mangione.
Chris Cortez is never far from the blues and 'Rhythm Method Blues' continues on his storytelling lyrics as does his cover of the Arodin and Carmichael 'Lazy River' which highlights its 20 / 30's realism with a clarinet, snare drum, washboard and piano leading to a Charlie Christian type solo by Chris which adds to the fun.
This album does cover a lot of turf and may have been better split into two distinct albums or delivered as a live set which would explained the differing styles. However whether it is Blues, Gypsy, Latin, Brazilian or Old School, Chris Cortez can joust with the best of them and this set will add to his growing fan base.
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Musicians : Chris Cortez - Guitar, Vocals, Jeff Mills - Drums, Sam Bruton - Piano, Larry Panella - Saxes, Flute, John Wooton - Percussion, Edwin Livingston - Bass, Humphrey Davis Jr - Sax, Vocals,
Track Listing : 1. My Way Is Better, 2. Everyday I Have The Blues, 3. Georgia On My Mind, 4. Bad Attitude, 5. Sweet Georgia Brown, 6. Honeysuckle Rose, 7. Manha De Carnival, 8. Mum Is The Word, 9. Trouble With Larry, 10. Rhythm Method Blues, 11. Lazy River, 12. Avalon.