Michael Feinberg

The Elvin Jones Project Sunnyside***

More than most musicians, bassists really dig drummers, and young New York bassist Michael Feinberg goes straight for the motherlode here, paying homage to Elvin Jones, the towering genius of the drumset whose sophisticated polyrhythmic playing was a vital component of the music of John Coltrane.

Channeling such a ferociously creative spirit in a “tribute” project is a tall order, and there are only a few percussionists who come close to fitting the bill. Billy Hart is one of them, a near contemporary and close friend of Jones who, though by no means an imitator, absorbed some of the great drummer’s unpredictable energy.

Tunes such as Earth Jones, Miles Mode and Three Card Molly are given a fresh coat by an excellent front line, including saxophonist George Garzone and keyboardist Leo Genovese. But this one belongs to the rhythm section, and to Hart in particular. michaelfeinberg music.com