In 1999, Jazz House released Playing Changes/Blues Inside Out, which
contained two complete albums - Playing Changes (originally released on
Jazz House) and Blues Inside Out (originally released on Jazz House) -
by George Coleman on one compact disc.
Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide
For nearly three decades, the legendary tenor saxophonist George
Coleman has intermittently led an exciting eight-piece band in addition
to his hard-blowing quartets. Danger High Voltage is a welcome addition
to the octet's limited discography. The recording features compositions
and arrangements by Frank Foster and Bobby Watson and charts from
within the band by Coleman and tenor saxophonist Ned Otter. An unusual
combination of four saxophones, trumpet, and rhythm sounds polished,
without sacrificing the freewheeling intensity of the band's live
performances.
Coleman has always thrived in the company of musicians who challenge
him, and this band is no exception. The contingent of young soloists -
trumpeter Jim Rotondi, Otter, baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan, and
alto saxophonist Adam Brenner - confidently romp through the tune's
changes and play off of the band's accompanying riffs. For instance,
Rotondi plays the melody of the ballad "Portrait of Jennie" with
sincerity, and as the tempo doubles he improvises several choruses of
edgy, well-constructed ideas.
Throughout the recording, Coleman and frequent cohort pianist Harold
Mabern confirm that they are significant stylists on their instruments.
On the opening track, Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely," the tenor
saxophonist stands out with his customary long strings of cleanly
articulated 16th notes and bluesy phrases. Mabern swings so intensely
during "Conservation" that, despite the capable bass, drums, and
percussion of Ray Drummond, George Coleman Jr., and Daniel Sadownick,
he sounds like a one-man rhythm section.
