Review of John McNeil & Bill Mchenry's CD "Chill Morn He Climb Jenny"

The tantalizing New York-based twosome of trumpeter John McNeil and tenor saxophonist Bill McHenry bring listeners Chill Morn He Climb Jenny, their second recording as a duo. Recorded live at Manhattan’s Cornelia Street Café in New York City, McNeil and McHenry are accompanied by drummer Jochen Rueckert and bassist Joe Martin. On Chill Morn He Climb Jenny, this accomplished foursome succeeds in jazzing up 40s and 50s music and giving them a more modernized sound.

The opening track on the album entitled “Moonlight in Vermont,” begins with a resounding tugboat-like reverberation as McNeil’s booming trumpet announces itself in the introduction. Meanwhile, Rueckert’s soft drumming and Martin’s light bass work can be heard faintly in the background. Then, McHenry’s tenor saxophone boldly enters making it a tad more upbeat as McNeil’s trumpet follows suit by becoming less ominous and more bouncy.

“Batter Up,” the second track, which was composed by Chicago-born Russ Freeman, grooves along as Rueckert’s expert drumming and McNeil’s seamless trumpeting merge to form a melodic union. Later, Rueckert’s drumming gets a bit chaotic as McHenry’s tuneful tenor saxophone comes to the track’s forefront for a spell. Then, McNeil’s forceful trumpet play and Rueckert’s echoing drumming join McHenry’s feverish yet skillful tenor saxophone work, which could remind listeners of the excitement one feels when their favorite baseball player takes to the mound as the track’s title suggests.

The fourth track, “Maid in Mexico,” has a Latin rhumba flavor as Rueckert’s brisk drum play and McHenry’s spry tenor saxophone begin the song. Then, all of a sudden, McNeil’s trumpeting bounds in with swift notes.

“Bea’s Flat,” the fifth track on the album, starts off with McNeil’s speedy trumpet work along with Rueckert’s roaring drum play. Also composed by Freeman, the track was named for a secretary who worked at the legendary Pacific Jazz label. It also contains an ensemble riff inspired by the great trombonist/composer Bob Brookmeyer. Then, as the track continues, McNeil and McHenry go back and forth showcasing their respective talents on their instruments.

In a nutshell, Chill Morn He Climb Jenny is an album for jazz aficionados that yearn to hear the genre’s tunes in a different light.