In his mid-seventies at the time of these recording sessions, trombonist
Roswell Rudd
takes the listener on a worldwide journey with his diverse musical interests. He explores a couple of widely known songs, though his bluesy take of "Feeling Good" is a funky affair showing off his chops with a mute and on open horn as organist
Arne Wendt
and pianist
Ivan Rubenstein-Gillis
lead the rhythm section behind him. His take of "Danny Boy" showcases
Wu Tong
on sheng (a bamboo predecessor to the harmonica), followed by the leader's sassy muted horn accompanied by bassist
John Lindberg
, with
Tong
achieving an organ-like sound as he rejoins them.
Rudd
also ventures to Latin America, interpreting the Cuban traditional piece "Dame la Mano" with guitarist/vocalist
David Oquendo
.
even composed the Cajun-flavored "C'Etait dans la Nuit" to feature fiddler/vocalist
Michael Doucet
and
Beausoleil
, along with penning "BRO" to play with an impressive group of musicians from Bali playing exotic instruments.
The Incredible Honk
is one of the rare CDs that will broaden the listening experience of everyone. ~ Ken Dryden