”The Tim Green
Quartet: Live at the Haven 9-08-07”
By Derrick Warren
dwarren@excapethematrix.com
To say that the Tim Green quartet individually do their
jobs as musicians would be an understatement. To assume that they are merely
products of their musical backgrounds and training would also qualify as an
understatement. There is nothing that can be considered “simply adequate” about
their ability to perform.
"Strutting complex Be-Bop drenched grooves
allowed each of them the room to solo. Each of their solos didn’t waste away
the energy like so many competent musicians can do so well."
Sure, many jazz musicians can play. That’s almost in their definition. But to be perfectly honest, not all of them can perform and have that ability to entertain. Yeah, the Tim Green Quartet can play but they can also perform!
Catching the first set of their gig at the Haven
around the corner from the Morgan State University Campus at Northwood Plaza was
a blessing. The energy started at a high point in the not so crowded lounge/bar.
I mean, they jumped right out the gate in full stride. At times within the set
Tim Green (saxophonist) would step aside, allowing Warren Wolf (keyboardist),
Jeff Reed (bassist) and Lee Pearson (drummer) to play on and off of each other.
Strutting complex be-bop drenched grooves gave each of them the room to solo.
Each of their solos didn’t waste away the energy like so many competent
musicians can do so well.
“Yeah, the Tim Green Quartet can play, but
they can also perform!"
Each musician displayed their enjoyment of performing their craft through energetic mannerisms or whimsical melodies (like Warren playing the Nokia trademarked ring tone on the keys). Jeff Reed played his solos with ease without sacrificing the current meter. Lee Pearson? To put it lightly, he was all over the place! This, along with Tim Green conjuring up Byrd and even ‘Trane, created such a tight combo that one would expect that they had been playing together for years.
For info on future shows and a taste of Tim Green’s recordings, visit http://www.myspace.com/timgreenmusic. If you love jazz music and even gospel instrumental praise, you will most assuredly enjoy Tim’s work.