Back in September 2003, keyboardist DON GRUSIN led an all star band in a one-off, one night performance in Los Angeles. The band included NATHAN EAST, PETE ESCOVEDO, ABRAHAM LABORIEL, HARVEY MASON, NELSON RANGELL, LEE RITENOUR, SADO WATANABE, ERNIE WATTS and DON’S brother DAVE. Vocalists for the evening were PHIL PERRY, PATTI AUSTIN and NATALI RENE and the whole concert was recorded for both audio and video. On US release the audio CD – ‘THE HANG’ – was Grammy nominated for “Best Contemporary Jazz Album”. The album’s music incorporates real variety – Latin, African, smooth and straight ahead jazz. PATTI AUSTIN takes lead on ‘Wait For Me’ and ‘Oo The Carnival’ while PHIL PERRY handles ‘Woman’ with all his usual soul flair. The set culminates with everyone on stage for a full out jam – ‘She Feels Good’. The album has now won a European release via German label – C. A. R. E. The packaging is lavish and includes the DVD recording of the concert.
