JOHN HICKS “Friends Old and New” BMG*...

JOHN HICKS “Friends Old and New”

BMG

* * * 1/2

This collection, recorded in January, finds pianist John Hicks in a decidedly mainstream mode, revealing almost none of his affection for McCoy Tyner--a principal inspiration--and sounding more like a bop-oriented craftsman than he ever has.

This approach works well, for the leader is versatile: He drops in some deft Erroll Garner-like block chords on “Nutty,” he offers snappy, curving lines a la Kenny Barron on “Bop Scotch,” and he softens up and infuses “I Want to Talk About You” with substantial warmth.

Hicks is surrounded by a superlative melodically based crew--trumpeters Clark Terry and Greg Gisbert, tenor saxophonist Joshua Redman, drummer Grady Tate, trombonist Al Grey and bassist Ron Carter. They form an ideal ad-hoc unit for the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s material the date comprises. The selections include Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” Earl Hines’ “Rosetta” and the standard “Makin’ Whoopee.”

Terry’s you-know-it-when-you-hear-it sound sings sweetly, while Gisbert’s has more bite and his style recalls Dizzy Gillespie. Then there’s 22-year-old Redman, son of renowned tenor Dewey Redman and an amazing prodigy who makes his second recorded appearance here. Redman’s tone is as round as a barrel, dark as mahogany. His playing on the blues “Hicks Tone” is remarkably mature and sure-footed, and he crackles with imagination and bluesy gusto on “Nutty.” He’s a major talent in the making.