Harold Danko's
Stable Mates could very well refer to the musicians appearing with him on this 1997 date (including tenor saxophonist
Rich Perry, bassist
Scott Colley, and drummer Jeff Hirschfield), with whom he regularly recorded for SteepleChase on a number sessions. Likewise, the familiar jazz compositions that make up the playlist are tried and true songs written during the 1950s and 1960s. The upbeat treatment of
Dizzy Gillespie's "Con Alma" showcases
Perry's robust tenor first, then the leader's shimmering piano.
Thad Jones' "Quietude" is not as widely played as the remaining numbers, but the quartet delivers a solid interpretation of this lyrical gem. The slinky setting of
Jimmy Heath's "Gingerbread Boy" has a funky undercurrent, while the breezy yet tense arrangement of "Seven Steps to Heaven" finds
Danko taking a back seat behind
Perry's solo, allowing him to float over
Colley and Hirschfield.
Charles Mingus' strutting blues "Nostalgia in Times Square" puts the spotlight on
Colley initially, followed by
Danko's rollicking solo (with a jaunty air reminiscent of
Jaki Byard) and
Perry. "Stablemates" proves to be the most surprising track, with an abstract approach that gradually takes shape, though not revealing itself until the final chorus. ~ Ken Dryden