Notes:
Derrick Gardner listens to the musical voices in his head. It is much to our benefit, and listening pleasure, that he pays such careful attention to these voicings. The trumpet-trombone-tenor sax sound is the heart of the sextet sound that has made his long-standing group, The Jazz Prophets, a band to enjoy...and take quite seriously.

Get ready for 'A Ride to the Other Side..'


Artist Roster:
Derrick Gardner: Trumpet and flugelhorn
Vincent Gardner: Trombone
Rob Dixon: Saxophone
Anthony Wonsey: Piano
Rodney Whitaker: Bass
Donald Edwards: Drums
Kevin Kaiser: Percussion



Track Listing:
1. Funky Straight
2. A Ride To The Other Side
3. Mac Daddy Grip
4. Be One
5. Bugabug
6. God's Gift
7. Lazara
8. Just A Touch
9. ......Of Infinity



Reviews:

Derrick Gardner and the Jazz Prophets lay down some funky and soulful hard-bop that hearkens back to the groups of Cannonball Adderley and Horace Silver. The band tears through eight tunes that were either written by Gardner or his bandmates, as well as Bill Lee's ballad "Be One." The Prophets are tight: the rhythm section locks in the pocket, the band executes the charts precisely and every solo is strong. The funky "Mac Daddy Grip" not only puts on a hard-bop clinic, but it almost makes the album worth getting on its own. Each soloist makes a statement, and the background parts that enter about halfway through each solo add intensity and energy. Other highlights include Anthony Wonsey's piano solos on the opener "Funky Straight" and the burning closer "Of Infinity." Wonsey's percussive touch and sequenced phrases build tension and excitement. Percussionist Kevin Kaiser adds drive to the latin-esque "Lazara" and "Funky Straight." Although there aren't any real weak spots, the album slows down a bit in the middle with the lethargic "God's Gift." - CHRIS ROBINSON (DownBeat Magazine)

Both sides of this recording are equally compelling. Yes you read that right and no we're not back in time. I know you don't have to interrupt the music anymore to flip the record or turn over the tape. I mean the side of the CD which is rooted in tradition and the side which is new and fresh. This side and the other. Derrick Gardner's latest CD, A Ride to the Other Side…of Infinity contains some of the most exciting modern jazz you're likely to encounter. And encounter it you should. This is compelling music. The program on the disc is largely original; the front line horns are top-notch. Gardner creates something unique through a mixture of timbres, styles and textures. Traditional post-bop, Latin flavored jazz is the brand Derrick Gardner serves up. Reminiscent of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, yet displaying uniqueness in the areas of composition, arrangement and improvisation, Derrick Gardner and the Jazz Prophets deliver something the world of jazz needs right now on A Ride to the Other Side…of Infinity. Go take your car for a ride to the side of town where the mall is and get this CD. - DAVE MIELE (Jazz Improv Magazine)