Altoist
Maceo Parker has spent most of his career in R&B funk bands, most notably those led by
James Brown,
George Clinton, and
Bootsy Collins. This CD gave him a chance to stretch out as a leader, and his soulful horn immediately brings to mind
Hank Crawford and (to a lesser extent)
Lou Donaldson. With a strong backup group that includes
Pee Wee Ellis on tenor, trombonist
Fred Wesley, and
Don Pullen on organ,
Parker enthusiastically plays over infectious grooves with just one funky departure ("In Time").
Roots Revisited is a throwback to the 1960s soul-jazz style and
Maceo Parker gives one the impression that, if called upon, he could hold his own on a bebop date. [Minor Music's 2008 edition included two bonus tracks.] ~ Scott Yanow