Kenny Garrett
Sketches of MD
Mack Avenue Jazz Records
By George W. Harris

As a reward for his ambitious and far ranging release "Beyond The
Wall", Kenny Garrett found himself dropped by his long term label. In
what appears to be a response to the highly arranged predecessor,
"Sketches of MD" finds the altoist stretching out in a concert at the
Iridium with elder statesman Pharoah Sanders. In conjunction with his
current band of Benito Gonzales (p), Nat Reeves (b) and Jamire Williams
(dr), Garrett explores themes and melodies that are related to sidemen
that made their name with Miles Davis. "The Ring", for instance, is
reflective of John Coltrane's modal work, while "Wayne's Thang" relates
to the tenorist of Davis' classic second group. The former has a rich
and exotic/foreboding front line, with Sanders spewing a raucous and
thunderous avalanche of notes, with Garrett's in perfect stratospheric
step. The latter's funky beat is reminiscent of vintage Crusaders, with
Sanders getting down and dirty. "Intro to Africa" and the title track
feature wailing horns by the front line, with aggressive keyboard and
drumming driving the leaders into uncharted waters. The catchy "Happy
People" has been a staple of Garrett's concerts, and is played with
joyful abandon. Lots of free form flying on this disc-both leaders
worked up a sweat on this night out!