Connections

Album Review

Minnesota, while known more for its punk scene than jazz, still occasionally pops out a native son worth hearing. Vocalist Bruce Henry's Connections shows that he's one of them. The music chosen is largely taken from standards, but standards not necessarily within the realm of jazz. Along with some pieces from Sir Duke, Mongo Santamaria, Coltrane, and Freddie Hubbard, he's also covering Broadway musicals, the Animals, and Earth, Wind & Fire. When he's covering others, he tends to be on the reverent side, not breaking with tradition too much. On his own creations, he moves between a Stevie Wonder-esque sound and a contemplative, plaintive ballad artist. Though the songs can drag out seemingly longer than they need to from time to time, his skill and vocal tone are worth hearing.