Cory Weeds: Hip To Be Square-Plays Huey Lewis & The News

Tenor saxist Cory Weeds comes up with a great idea on this kinda split personality album with Chris Hazelton/org, David Rourke/g and Rudy Petschauer/dr. For the first half, he brilliantly decides to select tunes from the Huey Lewis and the News songbook, but with a twist of treating the material like a post bopping Larry Young outing. Thus, the hit “The Power of Love” is a tricky and sophisticated affair”, “Bad Is Bad” digs deep into a swamp” while the team boogies and boogaloos through “I Want A New Drug” and “Hip To Be Square Respectively”. Vintage late 60s Blue Note blowing.

The second part, titled “Boop Bop Bing Bash” is more like the team took a trip to the world of Brother Jack McDuff, blowing the gospel blues on” There Arno Answers” , double timing on “Get The Money Bluze” and Rourke sizzling on “At Long Last”. Weed’s big high protein tenor is hitting like he’s jabbing a punching bag, and Hazelton’s Hammond hums with the drums. A double header of comfort food.