A musician who manages to recruit keyboardist Larry Goldings and the Kansas City based drummer Carl Allen to play on a recording date should be prepared to play the blues. That’s precisely what Clovis Nicolas does on Blues in Blueprint: 12 Variations on the Blues.
As the title indicates, the new album by the Abidjan-born bassist contains a dozen blues-based selections. The opening track is like catnip for listeners in Kansas City. The reading of “Old Stack O’Lee Blues” is squarely in the tradition of Count Basie and Jay McShann.
Known primarily as an organist, Goldings excels on piano throughout Blues in Blueprint. Allen, as always, operates as a well-oiled swing machine. Nicolas holds his own in the trio as he generously allows his colleagues to shine.
Goldings runs rampant on “The Double Nickel.” Allen demonstrates his tasteful mastery on “Hutch.” While Blues in Blueprint mostly stays close to home, “Ramblin’” ventures into shallow left field.
In addition to the classic Kansas City sound, the album touches on blues styles associated with locales such as Chicago, New York City, Paris and Philadelphia from different eras of jazz history. Blues in Blueprint is an edifying and entertaining tour.