The Vibe

As Modern Drummer's Readers Poll winning Best Jazz Drummer, Ulysses Owens Jr. has already left his drumming mark, and he continues to show us why. He can bash and swing with best, but sometimes (as drummers,) our job is to offer the support that is needed to the leader and the gig. Young trombonist Nanami Haruta is a virtuoso from Sapporo, Japan; and this is her bandleading debut. She has won numerous awards and studied with the great Michael Dease. But to hire the rhythm section of pianist Xavier Davis, bassist Rodney Whitaker, and Owens could be intimidating for anybody. But not when they do their job of giving the leader the proper support and lifting the music. Less tasteful musicians could have done the opposite, but not here. Haruta sounds fantastic, and Owens and the rest of the rhythm section perform in a way reminiscent of Red Garland, Paul Chambers, and A.T. (or Wynton Kelley, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb.) Listen to them on Christian McBride's "Sister Rosa" offering a tune-long crescendo. Ulysses patience and pace on the drum feature of "Easy Money" is amazing. His relaxed groove on "How it Goes" and "Jamerson's Lullaby" is inspirational. There are many reasons that musicians hire Ulysses Owens Jr. this record shows us only some of them.