Editorial Reviews

Nothing Smooth About It is the debut recording of the Mike Frost Project for the Blujazz record label. While they can hardly be considered a "cover band," this label debut is a straight-ahead post-bop Hammond B-3 organ date that finds the Chicago-based group out to honor the traditions of jazz and its pioneers. The set opens with "Oleo," a classic jazz standard that sets the pace of the CD with its burning bebop elements. Featuring trumpeter Steve Frost and saxophonist Mike Frost, the band turns in a brilliant performance with solos that definitely show their respect for Miles Davis and Sonny Rollins. "A Night in Tunisia," with its tight arrangement, pays tribute to the great Dizzy Gillespie, and once again features the great bebop riffs of Steve Frost. "You Don't Know What Love Is" is played as a lonely, lovelorn ballad that reflects the original vibe exuded by Teddy Edwards in the '60s, while "Milestones," one of the greatest modal compositions ever recorded by Miles Davis, gets an update with extended individual solos. Here, the song is introduced by organist Tom Vaitsas, who later takes an extensive solo that truly rocks. Mike Frost burns a cool fire on the melody line before guitarist Bill Boris takes over with his musical vision. His clean guitar lines provide the perfect undercurrent for this popular jazz standard. The ensemble is definitely in the pocket and brings a brand-new feeling to this song. The tribute continues with Lee Morgan's big hit, "Sidewinder." The set ends with the funky "Cantaloupe Island," which highlights Vaitsas paying tribute to Herbie Hancock by pulling out all the soulful stops on his B-3. Nothing Smooth About It is a great CD and contains some of jazz's biggest hits. Paula Edelstein, All Music Guide

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