Jimmy Amadie - Something Special ( Tp Recordings 2011)

Something Special, on the other hand, was recorded live from beginning to end, which shows in the spirited interaction of Amadie, Goodwin, and bassist Tony Merino. Nowhere is that cohesion more evident than on the classic "All the Things You Are." The leader begins his solo with a sprightly exploration of the familiar melody, but the trio quickly takes off on a more assertive bent, adding intensity without ever sacrificing beauty.

"If I had the chance to pick any rhythm section in the world, that's the rhythm section I'd pick," Amadie says of his cohorts. "Bill Goodwin is one of the greatest musicians alive. His musicianship is immaculate. And Tony Marino's playing is so robust. He can be so light and so heavy at all different tempos. Those guys make everything I do better."

The range and individuality of Amadie's talents are evident throughout Something Special. The blazing tempo of "Blues for Sweet Lizzy" and the percussive attack of "Get Happy" both bring out a more aggressive side of his playing, one rarely aired due to the stress it places on his hands - a factor that he never lets intrude into the studio. His tenderness emerges on "Fly Me To the Moon" and "Sweet Lorraine," a tribute to pianist Dave McKenna whose achingly beautiful solo introduction becomes a gentle swing showcase upon the entrance of Marino and Goodwin.
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