Harvey Mason-With All My Heart ( RCA Bluebird 2011)

Drummer Harvey Mason has worked with everybody from Herbie Hancock, George Benson, and Quincy Jones to smooth jazz combo Fourplay. This CD, his eighth as a leader, spotlights the Atlantic City native in an assortment of all-star trios. Among his most notable guests are pianists Brad Mehldau, Fred Hersch, Chick Corea, and Hank Jones as well as bassists George Mraz, Charnett Moffett, and Eddie Gomez. Mason's graceful brush strokes, crisp cross rhythms, and articulate bass-drum bombs combine elements of Max Roach, Elvin Jones, and Tony Williams. Highlights include a reading of Gerry Mulligan's boppish "Bernie's Tune" with Kenny Barron and Ron Carter; the evergreen ballad "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" featuring Bob James and Charlie Haden; and an ingeniously reworked "Speak Like a Child" with Hancock and Dave Carpenter. --Eugene Holley, Jr.
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