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By: Dennis Cook
On the heels of The Rolling Stones' two-year "A Bigger Bang" tour, keyboardist extraordinaire Chuck Leavell stayed on in Europe and embarked on a rollicking series of gigs with a group of gifted German musicians he'd just met through friends. This resulting document is the sound of players learning to swing together, and a glimpse into the musical mind of a man who's played keys for the Allman Brothers Band, Eric Clapton, Gov't Mule, Sea Level and enhanced countless studio recordings.
Leavell's voice is a clean growl that fits the many blues numbers on this two-disc set, subtitled "Green Leaves & Blue Notes Tour 2007," which begins with the back-to-back slam of Professor Longhair's "In The Wee Wee Hours" and a Jerry Lee inspired "Route 66." Leavell's voice and piano is joined by drummer Paul Hochstadter, bassist Christian Diener, saxophonist Lutz Hafner and guitarist Frank Kuruc, who interact with the ivory demon with jazz dexterity, adapting well to his shifting moods, equally proficient on smooth slow jams like "Living In A Dream" as they are on Stones cookers like "Rip This Joint" and "Tumbling Dice." The overall feel is akin to Bruce Hornsby's post-Dead small band shows – utterly professional, beautifully executed music. If it's sometimes a touch polite that's perhaps Leavell balancing his longtime Stones gig with a spot of calm sophistication.
What emerges is a master musician that draws from Fats Domino, Les McCann and Bob James in forging his own style. There's a lightness of touch to these concert cuts that hints at the man often hidden outside other's work. Given the reins, Leavell own compositions, which remind one of Dave Brubeck and David Sanborn, mingle with cherished favorites from the past 100 years. By putting Dickey Betts ("Jessica") between McCann & Eddie Harris ("Compared To What") and Hoagy Carmichael ("Georgia On My Mind") he draws lines of connection only a real veteran with few boundaries could see or understand.
The tour was also used to raise awareness about environmental challenges facing the planet today. So, on top of some very nice music there was some good karma being spread. A fine effort all around.
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