Nutville is one of two 1991 releases by veteran Chicago vibist
Jim Cooper. It features the same lineup as its companion, Tough Town, including the versatile
Ira Sullivan, whose facility on trumpet and saxophone puts this date a notch above being simply a pleasant set of boppish post-bop. The set is also distinguished by cohesive group work, and strong writing from
Cooper and pianist Bob Dogan.
As a player,
Cooper's harmonic leaps and slightly aggressive attack suggest more the angular approach of
Bobby Hutcherson than the fluid grace of
Milt Jackson. That said,
Cooper and colleagues venture nothing as probing as
Hutcherson's work. They play well within the parameters of each piece, creating sweet spots and grooves with attentive interplay and a surefooted melodic sense.
Sullivan's entries consistently raise the heat and interest level, but the other players all have worthy statements as well. With the exception of
Ivan Lins' ballad "Cantor Da Noite," which lapses close to cocktail jazz, the pace is bright and energetic. The title track is a good version of the
Horace Silver hard bop classic.
Cooper's "Mallethead" briefly suggests
Thelonious Monk's "Four in One." The affinity with
Monk also pops up in a short take of "Bemsha Swing," which is highlighted by Dan DeLorenzo's agile, walking bass. Dogan's up-tempo "Sui Fumi" and his cruising-paced "Cabbie Patch" offer effective shifts in tempo and melody, while the Latin beat of Dogan's thoughtfully crafted "Mija" sets up expansive solos from
Cooper and
Sullivan. The set is rounded out by the standard "Autumn Nocturne" -- presented as a mid-tempo swinger -- and a bristling, reading of
Dizzy Gillespie's "Tanga." ~ Jim Todd