Tight Like This (Delmark; 2010)
Brad Goode has been producing some elegant and seductive material for over 20 years now. I had originally first heard Brad Goode on Curtis Fuller's 2004 release, Up Jumped Spring (Delmark). I was floored by Goode's playing on that sessions. His skill is unquestionable. Goode has also worked with such legendary musicians as Von Freeman, Joe Henderson and James Moody.
His latest, Tight Like This (Delmark) provides some hard bop motifs in the vein of Clifford Brown, Woody Shaw and Donald Byrd. Goode delivers a fresh, excellent and easily accessible album of mostly originals and standards on Tight Like This that I think a large majority of audiences will enjoy.
The album begins with the title track, originally made famous by Louis Armstrong in 1928. Goode gives its a very up tempo twist with some great funky rhythms, making it highly infectious. It's almost night and day from the original with a pulsating bassline from Kelly Sill and mood moving melody from Adream Farrugia on piano. Goode really turns this piece into his own.
Another wonderful standard Goode delivers early on is "Nightingale" (written by Xavier Cugat). Goode maintains the underlying Latin rhythms of the song but also adds some lines for his quartet to stretch out and make this more than just a by-the-numbers Latin cover. Drummer Anthony Lee is brilliant adding subtle touches to accompany Goode's romantic movements throughout.
"Reverse The Charges" is swinging and funky number that would fit perfectly on radio. That's not a bad thing. This is originally a number from 1945 by the truly under-rated and deserving of greater recognition, Freddie Webster (trumpet). Goode again creates an excellent arena for the band to hit some individual high points throughout.
On "Summary" and "Midwestern Autumn", Goode highlights his skill as writer with two bluesy ballads that have significant emotional resonance. Beautiful textured with luscious undertones.
"Bob's Bounce" is smokin' number where the quartet really let loose. This for me is where Goode could almost channel Woody Shaw. It's a blistering piece of work with a great bass solo midway through. This one of those pieces that even more sizzling in a live setting.
Tight Like This is diverse session that sinks on after a couple of spins and then really becomes a part of your daily rotation. I haven't been listening to Goode's material for long but I have been quite impressed with his progression. He has develop a highly creative pattern of deconstructing standards in addition to surrounding them with his own vibrant material. Tight Like This is no exception. For those looking for a great upfront, straight ahead hard bop record with solid performances and material--Tight Like This delivers everything you want.