State Of Mind (2003)

Speciaal getipt door Jazz Podium De Tor. ""State of Mind" favors a straight-ahead hard bop/post-bop format above the soul jazz Ellis is known for -- and that approach serves the improviser well whether he is turning his attention to John Coltrane's "Grand Central," Charlie Parker's "Barbados," or the exuberant "Sunshowers" (a lesser-known piece that was written by bassist Clint Houston and recorded by trumpeter Woody Shaw in the late '70s). The hard-swinging Ellis also embraces George Gershwin's "Summertime," which is one of those Tin Pan Alley gems that has been beaten to death over the years -- Keepnews' liner notes describe "Summertime" as a song that "might seem almost ready to be retired." But Ellis' Coltrane-ish, slightly abstract version of "Summertime" (which uses a rare, seldom heard arrangement by saxman Noel Jewkes) doesn't sound generic or common. The album isn't groundbreaking, but in terms of enthusiasm, chops, and soulfulness, Ellis comes through." (Alex Henderson, Allmusic)

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