Bobby Broom - Song and Dance

[GA Russell]

I first heard of Bobby Broom last year with the release of Sonny Rollins' latest CD Sonny, Please. I don't know where I have been, but it turns out that he has been around for years. He is 45 years old. His first album, Clean Sweep, came out in 1981, I think on the GRP label. He has a new CD coming out next week on the 20th called Song and Dance which will be his sixth as a leader.

There are ten songs totalling 65 minutes. Standards include Can't Buy Me Love (!), Where is the Love?, Superstar, Wichita Lineman, and (from before 1960) Smile and You and the Night and the Music. There are three originals.

I mentioned in my review of Sonny, Please that Broom reminded me of Jim Hall. That's really true on Song and Dance. I haven't liked quite so much what I've heard from Hall in the past ten years because it has been a little too dry for me. Broom doesn't play that way here. In fact, on the standards he reminds me a little bit of Chuck Wayne, whose Prestige OJC album Morning Mist I know some of you have.

All songs are performed by a guitar-bass-drums trio. The bass is under-mic'd IMO. You have to listen closely to hear it. What bassist Dennis Carroll is doing is interesting, and I think it should be a little closer to the front. Kobie Watkins is fine on drums.

I really like this album. I suppose whether you like it will depend on your opinion of Jim Hall. I give the standards five stars and the originals four stars; so I'll give the CD four and a half stars.

CD Universe says: List Price $15.98; Their Price $11.89.

edit for typo

Edited March 12, 2007 by GA Russell

[GA Russell]

This goes on sale tomorrow.

I heard it on the radio twice last week. Different songs on different radio stations.

[Sundog]

I first heard of Bobby Broom last year with the release of Sonny Rollins' latest CD Sonny, Please.

You should check out his other solo releases, especially Modern Man. Also, his work with Deep Blue Organ Trio is not to be missed.

[jazzbo]

I really like "Stand."

[Chuck Nessa]

Yet another promo?

[Shawn]

Stand! is also a favorite of mine, Broom is a class act all the way.

[sheldonm]

Stand! is also a favorite of mine, Broom is a class act all the way.

I haven't heard the cd yet but I'm sure I'll pick it up soon. I've gotten to know Bobby over the past couple years, nice guy!

If you're in Chicago, he has a couple regular weekly gigs...one at the Green Mill with the Deep Blue Organ Trio and another with his Trio at Pete Millers in Evanston. I traded a couple notes with him last week and he's getting ready to go out on the road with Sonny. He's also got some cool things lined up for later this year or next, though not really sure if I'm suppose to say anything at this time....anyway, good guy and wish him the best with his new cd!

m~