Kenny Garrett “Jackie and the Beanstalk”

I’ve been hearing this song “Jackie and the Beanstalk” from the Black Hope album in my head for a few days.  I used to listen to this Kenny Garrett album consistently while I was in school.  

The form is a 16-bar minor blues with some beautiful passing chords played by the late great Kenny Kirkland.  The melody is simple and is played in half-time but when it gets to the solo sections Kenny and the band go for broke and the energy is powerful and uplifting.  Brian Blade shows why he is one of my all-time favorite drummers with his range of dynamics and rhythmic sophistication and Charnett Moffett’s choice of bass notes and rhythms drives the whole feel.  An all-time great recording session.