Reviews
SEAOFTRANQUILITY.ORG
"This is as pure and soulful as contemporary jazz music gets and if you like swinging jazz you are in for a real treat..."
JAZZ WEEKLY
"These guys make feelin’ good feel good..."
MIDWEST RECORD
"Seemingly led by bass player Kent Miller, this group outing is the kind of smoking straight ahead jazz you just don’t come across much anymore. Solidly played with energy and vibes that just don’t quit, the only statement this set is making is that you should have a good time. Fun and party music geared to generating a good time, this is perfect summer evening jazz, preferably enjoyed near water with something wet. A totally solid set that goes the distance."
Volume 39/Number 242
July 1, 2016
MIDWEST RECORD
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
Copyright 2016 Midwest Record
AXS.COM
"Kent Miller’s Contributions is a sideman’s dream, full of personality and effortless technique — it’s a full-frontal assault of jazz verve."
ALIBI.COM
"Kent Miller and company pull off this classic jazz sound with unpretentious dedication."
ALLABOUTJAZZ.COM
"What you hear immediately from bassist Kent Miller's quartet is their fluency and propulsive, surely satisfying, button poppin,' finger-snappin' swing with both originals and standards that holds up extremely well with repeated listenings."
JAZZDAGAMA.COM
"Minor Step is a beautiful recording rooted in the blues, but it is much more than that too. This is a Jazz recording made the old fashioned way, with a quartet comprising piano, saxophone and drums."
Chotlist.com
CDHOTLIST.COM
“The TNEK Jazz Quintet came together at the instigation of bassist Kent Miller to pay tribute to that facet of Jones’ genius. The result is an outstanding set of hard bop and jazz blues that includes such highlight tracks as “Unit 7” (a mainstay of Cannonball Adderley’s live set) and the subtly complex “Some More of Dat.” The playing is virtuosic throughout, but more importantly joyful and bright. Recommended to all jazz collections.”
JP'S MUSIC BLOG
“The TNEK Jazz Quintet's new album consists of seven tracks, beginning with swinging melody of "Unit Seven," featuring the play between saxophonists Antonio Parker and Benny Russell. The solid rhythm of "Bittersuite" is supplied by bassist Kent Miller and drummer Greg Holloway, which just motors the songs energy. Pianist Darius Scott steps up on the seven-minute ballad "Lillie," before the Quintet close out their new album with the exciting, upbeat vibe of "O.P." and "Tragic Magic" (the only song on the album not written by Sam Jones).”
TAKE EFFECT REVIEWS
"As far as tributes go, it doesn’t get much better than this. The Tnek Jazz Quintet pay homage to one of the greats with their own spin, while still remaining true to the spirit Jones famously put on the originals.”
THE JW VIBE
“Another prominent rhythmic and melodic component is the feisty, freewheeling and highly improvisational piano pounding of Darius Scott – whose jam midway through “Bittersuite” (followed by Miller’s plucky solo and Holloway’s drum fills) just may get you jumpin’ out of your seat and screaming “More!”
MAKINGASCENE.ORG
“Jones is a musician’s musician but leave it to the TNEK Jazz Quintet to bring Jones’ songs to the forefront on this straight-ahead/soul-jazz session."
JAZZWEEKLY.COM
“If you wonder what “vintage” jazz is supposed to sound like, give this one a listen; you’ll thank me some day.”
NEW JERSEY JAZZ SOCIETY
“Miller made a wise choice to address this music for it is consistently engaging, melodic, swinging and accessible."