Jazz Times Review of "In It"

Subtitled "A Project of Drumming & Jazz Scat," Ronnie Burrage's In It showcases both talents by the St.Louis born singing drummer. And while Burrage's scatting isn't quite at the same level as his propulsive playing he and his studio cast (keyboardists Sid Simmons and Jason Shattil, trumpeter John Swana, and acoustic bassist Mike Boone) keep the vocals in perspective on originals and standards by Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, and John Coltrane. Scat-singing is, after all, a voice mimicking an instrument.

Burrage shows a Monk fixation by leading off with the late pianist's upbeat "I Mean You" and closing with his classic, "Straight No Chaser." His singing on both is overshadowed by his muscular drum breaks. A playful reading of Shorter's "Pinocchio" features Boone's inventive solo, and Coltrane's "Lonnie's Lament" gets a dramatic, extended closing stanza.

The drummer's originals, although buried deep within the CD, blend well. The tranquil "In the Realm of Thought" features Burrage's Elvin Jones-inspired drum intro and his additional percussion, plus inspired work by Swana. On the brief title track, Burrage performs both rapid-fire scat syllables and drum flurries. Both are unhindered by the expectations placed on jazz standards, adding to their allure.

Burrage performed with Duke Ellington while only 9 years old and has worked with Woody Shaw and McCoy Tyner. His sense of jazz history, both vocally and instrumentally is solid. He may not get as many session calls as a singer as he does a player, but In It's dedication to "the greatness of Elvin Jones, Eddie Jefferson, Betty Cartet & Leon Thomas" does justice to all.

- Bill Meredith

All About Jazz Review of "In It"

The multitalented Ronnie Burrage has shown himself to be one of the most exciting drummers in jazz as a sideman with McCoy Tyner, Sonny Rollins, Jerry Gonzalez’s Fort Apache Band, and Sonny Fortune. As a leader he’s also demonstrated his abilities as a composer, arranger, percussionist, and keyboard player. On In It he adds scat singing to his already impressive list of credentials.

Burrage has a crisp rhythmic attack and a pleasant voice with a timbre reminiscent of a young Jon Hendricks, obviously his primary vocal influence. On the opening “I Mean You,” he comes out swinging hard accompanied by the fine Philadelphia piano/bass team of Sid Simmons and Mike Boone. On the more contemporary material, Wayne Shorter’s “Beauty and the Beast” and “Pinnochio,” Joe Henderson’s “Black Narcissus,” and the originals “In The Realm Of Thought” and the title track, the leader takes a dreamier approach, enhanced by the use of electric piano.

Young Philadelphian Jason Shattill mans the keyboards on “In the Realm” and “Black Narcissus” and the excellent trumpeter John Swana augments the trio, nicely complementing the leader’s wordless vocalizing. Burrage’s interpretations of classic material--Coltrane’s “Lonnie’s Lament,” Ellington’s “Prelude To A Kiss,” and Monk’s “'Round Midnight”--adopt a more conventional approach, revealing the drummer’s thorough familiarity with the pieces’ melodic content, so much so that it would seem that he could have just as easily sung the songs’ lyrics. The instrumental trio is heard to especially good effect on these jazz standards, allowing listeners to really appreciate Simmons, who is unfortunately seldom heard outside of his Philadelphia base.

The date ends as it started, with a relentlessly swinging, scatting Monk bopper: “Straight No Chaser.” Burrage’s drumming throughout the date is most exhilarating.

- Russ Musto