Ben Riley - Weaver of Dreams

All Music Guide

Riley's is a drummer's CD. He is upfront in the mix, thankfully, so you hear his melodic ideas, on sticks and brushes, with authentic clarity. There's no pianist, though bassist Buster Williams expertly mixes chords and single lines, while tenor saxophonist Ralph Moore's full-bodied, inquiring, sometimes broodingly dark sound is heard to wondrous effect throughout. One-half of the program comprises songs of love and regret, like "Sweet Lovely," "You Don't Know What Love Is," and the title track. Then there's Williams' getting-to-be-a-standard "Tokudo," the Wayne Shorter modern classic "Black Nile," Thelonious Monk's head-noddin' "I Mean You," and a take on Miles Davis' "Solar," where Williams' solo bass intro, laced with Spanish phrases, is a highlight. Another great solo comes from Moore on "Weaver," while Riley's solo brush work on "Sweet Lovely," as well as the solo African-influenced original "Doonda," reminds us how melodicism on a percussion instrument can be a beautiful thing.... As you'd expect, Riley is a chattery hard bop drummer, speaking in riddles, rhymes, questions and answers. He's paid a lot of dues as a sideman to Monk, Nina Simone, Randy Weston, Sphere (with Williams) and others over five decades. Don't be discouraged that this is a stereotypically typical drummer's date -- it isn't. You'll hear many solos, but they're all good. The result is much fine music on this 60-plus-minute CD baring the soul of a great jazz drummer. - Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide Read more Less