Two tracks on Tippin', the phenomenal new album by Carl Allen, Christian McBride and Chris Potter, exemplify the most artistically consequential segment of Kansas City culture.
The genial swing applied to the Pat Metheny standard “James” represents kindhearted Midwestern values. And the momentous rendering of Charlie Parker’s “Parker’s Mood” that opens Tippin’ suggests that Allen now identifies as a Kansas Citian since becoming the Director of Jazz Studies at UMKC in 2021
As one of the most respected drummers in mainstream jazz for more than thirty years, Allen is accustomed to working with the form’s top talents. Bassist McBride and saxophonist/clarinetist Potter are among the biggest names in jazz. Accordingly, the trio’s burly approach proves that new ideas and fresh approaches are still possible within a conventional swing format.
“L’s Bop” careens toward the outer boundaries of the form while “Song For Abdullah” delivers gorgeous epiphanies. The intensity subsides on two or three tracks, including a relaxed take on “Put on a Happy Face.” Tippin’ is a necessary reminder of the enduring resilience of jazz in Kansas City.
