Danny Mixon – On My Way

Running the risk of dating myself I must say that this work by a dear and long lost friend is truly a masterpiece in classic jazz. I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s when jazz was just jazz! There was no fusion, smooth, or any other category. I came up in an era where it would have been considered a sacrilege to even consider categorizing this genre. To be sure we’ve come a long way since then and many artists have come and gone leaving their unmistakable mark (some good and some bad) on this truly American art form.

I am happy to say that Danny has left his mark for the better with this unforgettable work. He kicks thing off with a very well arranged version of “All the Things You Are”, original score by Ken Kern. I think I can safely say that Mr. Kern would be very happy with what Mr. Mixon has done with this piece. “A Gentle Rain” follows done superbly by the very talented Lisle Atkinson performing the entire piece with bow in hand. I must say I don’t believe I have ever heard such heavenly bow work. I can remember many a time as a young teen listening to Danny play in his living room in the projects of Brooklyn, the community center where we did a lot of our hangin’ out, or just about anywhere were a piano could be found. Listening to this work brings it all back as if it were just the other day. His performance of “Some other time”, by Leonard Bernstein is truly masterful. Just close your eyes and let the music take you where it wants you to go. His arrangement of “Sophisticated Lady” is really something special. I can’t rap up this review without mentioning his original score “Double Bobby”. This track is definitely all jazz in Danny’s inimitable style.

In closing I can only say that if it’s jazz you want and you long for the time when you could walk down to the corner club and listen to a jazz trio blow your socks off and you bought this cd, you have come to the right place. Danny Mixon’s “On My Way” will not disappoint! Unfortunately you can’t get this cd from your local music store. It is an impendent production available at www.cdbaby.com. In my case, it doesn’t matter much as I purchase most of my music via the net these days anyway. You can also listen to sample tracks on the site as well. The 5 to 10 days it takes to receive this cd is well worth the wait.

Richard “Rip” Reyes
The Urban Music Scene

For more information, song samples & purchase, please visit CDbaby today!