CHIP SHELTON
A LABOR OF LOVE
RISE UP 1000-6

Chip Shelton plays some unusual flutes on this CD, including a thick curvilinear bass flute and another that is played vertically like a soprano saxophone. The music tends to be a little gimmicky, especially Shelton's forays into hip hop and funk on, respectively, "Don't Hop Da Hip" and "Memphis Underground". For these tunes and at several moments in the others, the band relies a bit too heavy on redundant percussion patterns. At these moments, little seems to be happening in this band, drawn primarily from the Spirit of Life Ensemble. Onajie Allen Gumbs, who recorded so memorably with Cannonball Adderley and Woody Shaw is often lost behind congas and snares. When he does shine, however, as on the opening samba and "Oleo", the music is transformed. As for Shelton, the flutist has mastered his instrument and plays with authority in many of his solos. Although he is more "Soulful" than say, Herbie Mann, he is more "legitimate" than, say, Roland Kirk. At its best, his technique recalls the refined fluting of Lew Tabackin especially when he'a reeling off the trils and bent notes or showing down long, breathy phrases on the ballads. If Shelton only wants to make pop records, he shouldn't tease us jazz fans with such sophisticated flute work.