What an absolute pleasure to discover an album like this. Canadian pianist and composer Stacie McGregor has written an absolutely perfect set of hard bop originals, new and yet somehow familiar, and played with a confidence and ebulience that is incredibly refreshing these days. Trio mates Archie Alleyne on drums and Steve Wallace on bass are joined by a front line of Kevin Turcotte on trumpet and Michael Stuart on sax. And the songs! The writing is so in-the-pocket it's eerie. You'll swear you have the title track on an old Prestige album somewhere. It's that good.
- Ray Neslove
Canadian Stacie is a young gal with a wise old head. She delves into the immediate post-bop period to unearth a remarkable sound and set of compositions that bear the imprimatur of a young Horace Silver. For an artist who appears to be typecast as a world music pianist, "Straight Up" is a
launch pad into serious jazz credibility. She demonstrates a technical mastery of the 88 keys and is accompanied by such masters as Archie Alleyne on drums and Kevin Turcotte on trumpet.
- John Stevenson (eJazzNews.com)
The pianist/leader, who has emerged from the ranks to bandleader status, composes nine tunes for her debut CD that are clearly inspired by the post-bop music of the 1960's. In fact, they're almost like alternate takes to the vast catalogue that defined the future of jazz to a generation and still influences many players today. Tunes like "Uncle B" and "Top Cat" are fine vehicles for the likes of particularly inspired trumpeter Kevin Turcotte. Also heard to effect are saxmen Chris Mitchell and Michael Stuart, drummer Archie Alleyne and either Steve Wallace or Brandi Disterheft on bass.
...Overall this is a pleasing CD and McGregor shows with "Very Late" that she's capable of ringing the changes decisively. The best piece is "Goodie's Dilemma"
- Geoff Chapman (Toronto Star)