Hank Crawford "South Central"

Hank Crawford

"South Central"

(Milestone Records, 1993)

Personnel :

Hank Crawford, Alto Sax

Melvin Sparks, Guitar

Stan Hope, Piano

Peter Martin Weiss, Bass

Grady Tate, Drums

on "O Holy Night" only :

Hank Crawford, Alto Sax

Melvin Sparks, Guitar

Dr. John, Piano

Gloria Coleman, Organ

Wilbur Bascomb, Bass

Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, Drums

plus horns :

Howard Johnson, Baritone Sax

Lou Marini, Tenor Sax

Alan Rubin/Lew Soloff, Trumpets

Tracklisting :

01 Falling in Love With Love

02 I Should Care

03 South-Central

04 I Want to Talk About You

05 In a Mellow Tone

06 Conjunction Mars

07 Fool That I Am

08 Splanky

09 O Holy Night [#]

Recorded at Nola Sound Studios, NYC - August 11 and 27, 1992.

"O Holy Night" recorded at Giant Studios, NYC - February 1990.

Review :

All of the songs on this set except for the closing "Holy Night" (which was left over from a 1990 session) are from 1992. Altoist Hank Crawford is heard at his best on the ballads where he really caresses the melodies, giving them a great deal of soul and heartfelt feeling. Joined by guitarist Melvin Sparks, pianist Stan Hope, bassist Peter Martin Weiss and drummer Grady Tate (with an occasional hint of strings), Crawford digs into such songs as "I Should Care," "I Want To Talk About You," and "Fool That I Am," finding time to swing "In A Mellotone" and "Splanky." His alto playing is at its most vocal throughout this passionate yet tasteful set, which will be easily enjoyed by his many fans.

By Scott Yanow [AMG]

By Rob