Mindy Canter is reviewed by Jazzscene

by:  George Fendel

Fluteus Maximus, Mindy Canter, flute, keyboards, Hammond B3, vocals.
This is a soulful quartet featuring the flute of Canter. While it would be safe to say there are more vigorous flute fans than yours truly, these folks do what they do with panache. 


The rest of the quartet consists of Denny Geyer, guitar and vocals; Paul Smith, bass; and Roy Blumenfeld, drums. They all hit a nice little groove on well chosen hits such as "Watermelon Man," "Memphis Underground," "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," "High Heel Sneakers," "Funny How Time Slips Away" and "Hallelujah I Love Her So." 


Some vocals here and there add a little spice. Anyway, just when you think this funky, understated groove is well in place, the quartet surprises us with three tunes many miles from this style. How about "Sixteen Tons" (remember Tennessee Ernie Ford?), "Over The Rainbow" and (I'm not kidding) "Happy Trails." As unlikely as it may sound, it works nicely. These guys are not in the game to spin your head with funky pyrotechnics. They simply play tunes for the sheer fun of playing them. And there's nothing wrong with that.