Louis Hayes, Artform Revisited Review

by Stamish Malcuss

Louis Hayes, a legendary figure in the jazz community, is celebrated for his impeccable hard-bop drumming style. With a career spanning over seven decades, Hayes has been a cornerstone of the genre, playing with giants such as Yusef Lateef, Horace Silver, Cannonball Adderley, and Oscar Peterson. His contributions have left an indelible mark on jazz, earning him a revered place among the greats.

Artform Revisited represents Hayes’ enduring talent and dedication to jazz. This album showcases his mastery and serves as a vibrant celebration of the hard bop tradition. The album’s swinging rhythms and the choice of eight bop classics and two Hayes originals make it a significant addition to Hayes’ illustrious catalog.

Inspired by his extensive career and the evolution of jazz over the decades, Hayes drew from his rich experiences and collaborations with jazz legends. The album encapsulates themes of musical exploration and homage to the roots of hard-bop, reflecting Hayes’ journey and growth as an artist.

Abraham Burton on saxophone delivers robust, expressive lines that complement Hayes’ rhythmic foundation. Steve Nelson’s vibraphone adds a lush harmonic texture, while David Hazeltine’s piano offers melodic support and intricate solos. Dezron Douglas on bass provides a deep, resonant underpinning that anchors the ensemble.

The album fuses traditional hard-bop elements with bebop and contemporary jazz nuances. Tracks like the joyous swinging “Tour de Force” and “Cheryl” exemplify this blend, showcasing vibrant solos and dynamic interplay among the musicians. Hayes’ drumming, combined with Burton’s soulful saxophone on “You’re Looking at Me” and Nelson’s shimmering vibraphone on “A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing,” creates a seamless integration of styles.

Artform Revisited reflects a rich variation of jazz influences, integrating blues, gospel, and swing into its hard-bop framework. Tracks like “Ray’s Idea” and “Milestones” highlight this stylistic amalgamation, offering a sonic dialogue between musical traditions. This album reinforces Hayes’ legacy, illustrating his ability to stay relevant while honoring his roots. It reflects his rhythmic propulsion, offering an excellent perspective on today’s hard bop style.

The album’s program also allows each member to excel in the musical arrangements and shifts in styles; for example, the hard-swinging “Dewey Square” led to the blues shuffle of “G” perfectly. “My Little Suede Shoes” shows Hazeltine’s driving piano style as “Ruby” showcases the intricate harmonic structures and evolving thematic development of Douglas’ bass soloing.

Tracks like “Milestones” and “Ray’s Idea” feature exceptional solos from Hazeltine, Wison, and Nelson. These moments capture the essence of the album’s creativity and musicianship, offering listeners a glimpse into the artists’ technical brilliance with Hayes drumming moves the music forward with authentic style and charisma.

Artform Revisited shows Louis Hayes’ enduring artistry and contribution to jazz. The album’s rich choice of material, ensemble interaction, and technical excellence make it a robust addition to his extensive catalog. Hayes’ command of traditional hard-bop is a compelling and rewarding listening experience, showcasing the timeless artistry of Louis Hayes and his remarkable ensemble.