Warriors

The Cookers is an all-star ensemble made up primarily of veteran bandleaders and star soloists, including tenor saxophonist Billy Harper, trumpeters Eddie Henderson and David Weiss, alto saxophonist Craig Handy, pianist George Cables, bassist Cecil McBee, and drummer Billy Hart. The fireworks begin with their sizzling treatment of the late Freddie Hubbard's "The Core," though it is a shame that the liner notes don't specify the order of the trumpet solos. The veterans in the group contributed the remaining songs. Cables' off-center, loping "Spookarella" has a Monk-like humor and playful flute solo by Handy, while the pianist's pretty ballad "Sweet Rita Suite, Pt. 2: Her Soul" is a complex work that the band interprets with finesse, with Handy again a major voice on flute, and lush ensembles by the brass and tenor. Harper penned the funky, insistent "Priestess." His passionate "Carpa Black" is often dissonant, highlighted by his burning tenor sax. McBee's lush ballad "Close to You Alone" (showcasing Handy's heartfelt alto solo) and delicious hard bop vehicle "U Phoria" also merit strong praise. The solos and ensembles are enjoyable throughout this session, while the musicians obviously had a great time and are likely eager to schedule a follow-up meeting for Jazz Legacy.