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Sacha Perry / Not Brand X
Smalls Records SRCD-0022
by Mark Keresman

Pianist Sacha Perry is a mainstay of New York City's "bebop underground," a loose-knit network of musicians who keep the sometimes-neglected fires of classic bop burning bright. Without any retro affectations, Perry's spare, jabbing, yet lyrical style, and his bits of droll humor recall many great but lesser-known bop piano giants, such as Elmo Hope, Herbie Nichols, and Barry Harris. There are some aspects of Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell here as well. Ably assisted by a limber and interactive bassist and drummer, NOT BRAND X will delight hard-bop cultists and new recruits alike.