For the People

EDITOR'S PICK - DECEMBER 2012

On For The People, Chicago-based trumpeter Pharez Whitted digs into the hard-bop bag and pulls out an 11-song set that?s perfect for a weekend chill or a serious road trip. The unison lines he plays with guitarist Bobby Broom on tunes like ?Watusi Boogaloo? are infectious. ?If They Could Only See? delivers a sweet groove. But don?t think this is light listening. ?Freedom Song? packs a punch fueled by Whitted and saxophonist Eddie Bayard dueling on their horns, while Ron Perrillo, Dennis Carroll and Greg Artry lock in the groove and throw away the key on piano, bass and drums, respectively. The title track, ?For The People,? is a jazz-noir masterpiece. The head delivers an infectious melody played in unison by Whitted, Broom and Bayard. Whitted takes the first solo, muted, cool and tasty. Broom follows with one of the most delicious guitar tones on the planet. Then, Perrillo delivers on piano with understated grace. The closing number, ?Hope Springs Eternal,? serves as a powerhouse jam. With this album of original compositions, Pharez Whitted has now become my candidate for President of Groove.