You Gotta Pay The Band

Performer: Abbey Lincoln
Artist: Hank Jones; Charlie Haden; Mark Johnson; Maxine Roach
Producer: Jean-Philippe Allard
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel includes: Abbey Lincoln (vocals); Stan Getz (tenor saxophone); Maxine Roach (viola); Hank Jones (piano); Charlie Haden (bass); Mark Johnson (drums). Stan Getz is featured on one of his final recordings on this excellent Abbey Lincoln CD; Getz's cool tenor fits in very well with Lincoln's voice, making one wish that they had met up previously. With pianist Hank Jones, bassist Charlie Haden, drummer Mark Johnson, and (on two songs) Maxine Roach's viola completing the group, it is not surprising that Lincoln sounds typically inspired. Actually, her version of "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" is a bit of a misfire with its dated lyrics (which should have been modified and altered to fit a female). However, "Bird Alone," Freddie Hubbard's "Up Jumped Spring" (given lyrics by Lincoln), and five of her originals more than compensate. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow This 1991 release followed Abbey Lincoln's THE WORLD IS FALLING DOWN and is a marvelous set of music that marked the beginning of a deserved upswing in Lincoln's popularity. This set features Stan Getz, who provides a wonderful foil for Lincoln's voice. Sadly, Getz died a few months after these sessions, the only collaboration between the two. Lincoln's own songs represent the majority of material on the album; standouts include "Bird Alone" and "When I'm Called Home." A deep sense of spirituality empowers much of this work, one the arises from the way in which Lincoln melds the emotional bearing of blues with the more cerebral forays of jazz. She's backed by a superlative trio of Hank Jones on piano, Charlie Haden on bass, and Mark Johnson on drums. This is an essential title for anyone interested in either Abbey Lincoln or Stan Getz.

Down Beat (12/91) - 5 Stars - Excellent - "..the triumph of great art... Lincoln's voice has a thousand shades...[Getz] cools us with the truth that the best jazz is instinctive.." Musician (2/92, p.94) - "one of the more perfect jazz recordings of 1991." New York Times (Publisher) (1/1/92) - "..Ms. Lincoln has emerged late in her career as an interpreter approaching the power of Billie Holiday.."

Jazz siren Abbey Lincoln began performing in the early 1950s. Following her marriage to drummer Max Roach in 1962 she became more politically aware. As well as collaborating with Roach, she began to write some of her own material, much of it stressing the rising tide of black consciousness in the USA. Lincoln also had a simultaneous career as an actress, co-starring in the films NOTHING BUT A MAN (1964) and FOR LOVE OF IVY (1968). She imbued all her recordings with real dramatic presence, focusing on emotive delivery rather than merely facile technique.

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