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Dave Flippo is a veteran of the Chicago jazz scene where he has worked for years as a pianist, arranger, bandleader, vocalist and arranger. “Dedications” is his latest album and derives its name from the fact that Dave wanted to write original tunes dedicated to his band members, with each tune bearing a stylistic request from said band member. The end result is a very eclectic album on which Dave fulfilled his percussionist’s wish for an odd-metered Greek dance tune and his drummer’s request for a free flowing piece in which he could play outside the rhythm and so on. Adding to this eclectic mix, Dave also threw in some cover tunes in a wide variety of styles. It is a very talented quartet (quintet on two tunes) that Dave has assembled here, and they often sound much bigger than just four people. Woodwinds player Dan Hesler adds to their diverse sound by picking just the right instrument to flavor each tune, moving from flute to a variety of saxophones as well. Everyone in the band is a powerful soloist, which helps keep every track cookin from start to finish.
Lots of fun tracks on here. Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” makes for an excellent soul jazz groove number in the style of Eddie Harris or Stanley Turrentine. Stevie Wonder’s “Too High” flies high as a re-harmonized post bop cooker and Radiohead’s “Karma Police” works well as a melancholy jazz waltz. Of the many originals, “Giraffe Trek”, takes off as an African Latin groove topped with several fiery solos and “Syrotic” is the aforementioned high energy Greek dance tune in 14 time. Elsewhere on the album you get plenty of gritty hard bop on tracks like “Spring Joy” and the aptly titled “Freewheelin”. “Metamorphosis” is the lengthy closing number on which drummer Heath Chappell is allowed to play freely while the band moves through a variety of styles and tempos.