It took only 16 years for the Butterbean Jazz Quartet to release its first (self-titled) CD. Time enough for several complete changes of lineup; time enough to compile one of Richmond’s longest-running gigs; and time enough to master the not-insubstantial art of combining superficial accessibility and creative depth. It’s a matter of necessity: However creative or accomplished the musicians, few people want challenging abstraction with their sun-dried tomato and artichoke pizza. But that doesn’t mean the music has to be wallpaper.
The set is weighted toward cheerful, up-tempo standards. The rhythm section — Lee Covington on piano, Keith Willingham (who doubles on trumpet and flugelhorn) on drums and Rusty Farmer on bass — fits the pieces together with synchronous polish. The “special guests” — Penn Farmer and John Conley on guitar, Pete Anderson on trombone, Kevin Simpson on sax and the redoubtable Brian Jones on drums — expand the sonic palette. Good as they are, the key to the band’s success is singer Terri Simpson, whose range and light touch keep half-century old songs fresh and conversational.
For all its cheeriness, some of the brightest moments are on the darker material. Simpson’s cover of Joni Mitchell’s wistful “My Old Man” clears the soprano high notes with room to spare, and the band’s spare, horn-driven version of Bacharach’s “Walk on By” illuminates the pain beneath the pop surface.
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