Soul Stirrin' is an invigorating, exciting date from trombonist
Bennie Green, showcasing his wide range of skills. His tone is alternately boisterous and reflective -- the juxtaposition of the wildly swinging "We Wanna Cook" (complete with shouted vocals) and the gentle "That's All" is startling, demonstrating that
Green can vary his robust sound according to the occasion.
Green's fluid trombone is at the center stage throughout most of
Soul Stirrin', but he also steps aside to shine some light on his extraordinary support group -- saxophonists
Gene Ammons and
Billy Root, pianist
Sonny Clark, bassist
Ike Isaacs and drummer
Elvin Jones. Each musician plays with soul and passion, both on the laidback blues and mambos and the rollicking swing numbers. It's a thoroughly enjoyable record and one that is a good introduction to
Green's wonderful, friendly style.