Trombonist Ray Anderson is in top form throughout this well-rounded set. Assisted by pianist Simon Nabatov, bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Ed Blackwell, Anderson gets lowdown on "Funkalific," comes up with fresh renditions of Wayne Shorter's "Lady Day" (during which he emulates Tricky Sam Nanton a bit) and John Coltrane's "Dear Lord," contributes four diverse originals, takes a typically odd vocal on "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime" and adds plenty of humor and high-note acrobatics to the spirited date. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
1. Funkalific (Ray Anderson)
2. Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? (Jay Gorney/E.Y. "Yip" Harburg)
3. Kinda Garnerish (Ray Anderson)
4. Muddy and Willie (Ray Anderson)
5. Snoo Tune (For Anabel) (Ray Anderson)
6. Lady Day (Wayne Shorter)
7. Dear Lord (John Coltrane)
CHARLIE HADEN bass
ED BLACKWELL drums
SIMON NABOTOV piano
RAY ANDERSON trombon, vocals
Recorded in June 1992 at Power Station, New York
Gramavision - R2 79471