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  • The Phoenix

    SRCD0006

    Artist: William Ash Trio

    Label: Smalls Records

    William Ash (guitar), Dwayne Burno (bass) & Mark Taylor (drums). Recorded 12/29/01 at The Studio, New York City.

    The release of this recording signals William’s debut as a leader on an American jazz label. [He’s already quite well known in Japan, and travels there regularly to tour.] We’re fortunate to have him here with regular associates Dwayne Burno and Mark Taylor, and in the company of a working group, the groove is that much deeper. It is hard to say enough good things about Dwayne Burno. A brilliant and soulful player with endless drive, Dwayne lays down lines that are right in the pocket, and really, really move. Somehow Burno is always one or two steps ahead of the listener, and one has to marvel at his quick-witted inventions. No wonder he’s been a favorite of such greats as Freddie Hubbard, the late Joe Henderson, Cedar Walton, Roy Hargrove, Roy Haynes, Benny Golson, and many others. Mark Taylor is a first-call drummer, known for his work with Johnny Griffin, Lew Tabackin, Monty Alexander, Mose Allison, George Coleman, James Moody, Art Farmer, and Clifford Jordan. Few drummers have the combination of power and precision that Taylor has, and his accompaniment here is always tasteful and never excessive. He and Burno meet up perfectly on this date. The bass-drum hits that William is fond of employing in his compositions are performed impeccably.