Longtime jazz session percussionist
Tom Collier is put in the limelight with a handful of other session musicians (and more) from the course of his career. The set is comprised entirely of
Collier originals, passing from relaxed grooves to tests of the various percussive chops on the part of the band.
Collier spends the bulk of his time on the vibes with good effect, but occasionally crosses over to the marimba, adding to the sound from
Emil Richards (percussion hall-of-famer), who keeps up the softer, thicker sound of the instrument throughout. Adding to the proceedings are some nice bits of drum work from
Joe Porcaro and
John Bishop;
Dave Brubeck's old clarinetist
Bill Smith on clarinet in "Mutso Futso in Row 12," and Mike Lang and
Don Grusin (
Dave Grusin's brother) on piano. Additionally,
Dan Dean provides able bass from beginning to end as the lineup changes elsewhere. The focus, though, is always on the vibes and marimba on the front lines (it is titled
Mallet Jazz, after all). The intricate lines devised by
Collier show off the abilities of the lead duo, and the solos taken by both
Collier and
Richards alone make the album worth hearing. The rest just adds to the allure. ~ Adam Greenberg