CandyRat Featured

Chris Greene Quartet : Merge

© 2009 Single Malt Recordings

The new cd, “Merge”, follows in the footsteps of the CGQ’s “Soul and Science: Volume One” and “Soul and Science 2: Electric Boogaloo”. The track list for Merge includes a healthy serving of Greene’s original compositions, as well as a tune by pianist Espinosa, jazz standards by Billy Strayhorn and Johnny Green, and one tune each by Madonna and The Black-Eyed Peas.

Recorded in 2009 at Experimental Sound Studios in Chicago, the cd captures a working band at the height of its powers, with all of the telepathic communication that only a working ensemble can marshal. Greene’s influences, from Sonny Rollins to Maceo Parker, electric Miles to Prince, are clearly evident, as well is the fact that he has become his own man. Although it is definitely Greene’s band and conception, Espinosa, Piane and Blair are by no means mere sidemen; the blueprint for the band allows – in fact, demands – equal contributions from all chairs.

List Price: $16.99