The Rhythm

A record called The Rhythm sounds like it should feature some wonderful drumming, and it does! Drummer EJ Strickland is one of the most overlooked jazz drummers on the New York jazz scene.

He always makes everyone around him sound better, and he always plays the music with taste and perfection. This record is no different. His hook-up with bassist Kenny Davis is transparent, always there without drawing too much attention to itself. Listen to how Strickland plays the title track and on "The Journey" connecting the dots of the different sections. On "Between the Darkness and the Dawn" EJ pushes the ensemble and the soloists just enough, and he plays a killer solo. "Maurice" is a nice light funk with a swingin' bridge, "Mood Indigo" is almost reggae, "Daybreak" is a soulful jaunt, "Worth Saying" is filled with
stop time phrases, "Our Day Will Come" has a very "Poinciana" twist to the groove, and "7 Days" is in a swinging seven. EJ Strickland is perfect throughout. This is very good record with an excellent drummer pushing The Rhythm. Kudos to Eddie Allan, EJ Strickland, and the entire band!