Articles by Paul Ryan
Brad Goode: Hypnotic Suggestion
by Paul Ryan
This well-programmed set of originals and standards showcases Brad Goode's first-rate trumpet playing. On the opening title track, Goode enters mysteriously in his solo, before darting around and interacting deftly with the rhythm section, particularly drummer Dana Hall.
The rhythm section, comprised of Hall, pianist Adrean Farrugia (whose advanced harmonic conception and lyricism recalls Herbie Hancock) and bassist Kelly Sill, shifts gears seamlessly on Thelonious Monk's Bemsha Swing. The rhythmic juxtaposition is excellent, especially during Farrugia's spot. Goode's ...
read moreJerry Bergonzi: Tenor of the Times
by Paul Ryan
This effort from tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi offers little in the way of new ideas or creativity. He seems mired in the world of John Coltrane, in many instances replicating the master's phrasing and sound. The instrumentation of the album is also the same as Coltrane's classic quartet (tenor, piano, bass, and drums). To compare the two groups would be silly, however, given that the latter unit cut its albums over four decades ago.
You're My Everything," the ...
read moreRuss Kassoff: Somewhere
by Paul Ryan
It has been a long time coming, but at the age of 52, Russ Kassoff has finally released his first album as a leader. Somewhere is split almost evenly between solo piano and trio tracks (plus one duo tune).
From the first plaintive notes of Look For The Silver Lining, Kassoff's lyricism and brilliantly executed melodic lines shine through. Bassist Martin Wind matches the leader's lyrical quality, especially in his nimble excursion on Somewhere. During a particularly engaging ...
read moreMcCoy Tyner Trio in Tune With One Another
by Paul Ryan
McCoy Tyner Trio 2006 Jazz Winnipeg Festival Manitoba Theatre Center June 22, 2006
McCoy Tyner brought his trio to town and they did not disappoint an enthusiastic Winnipeg crowd. Along with bassist Charnett Moffett and drummer Eric Kamau Gravatt, Tyner showed why he is still one of the best pianists in improvised music. His group as a whole also demonstrated a sense of cohesiveness and interaction that is hard to find.
The ...
read moreMolly Johnson Offers Winnipeggers an Eclectic Mix of Music
by Paul Ryan
Molly Johnson 2006 Jazz Winnipeg Festival McPhillips Street Station June 25, 2006
Looking very elegant in a shimmering knee-length skirt, matching high heels, and white tank top, vocalist Molly Johnson delighted a sold-out crowd on the final day of the 2006 Jazz Winnipeg Festival.
Johnson may not be a familiar name to American jazz fans, but she is well-known in her native country and is quite popular in France.
She began ...
read moreBobby Hutcherson Displays Both Virtuosity and Wit at the 2006 Jazz Winnipeg Festival
by Paul Ryan
Bobby Hutcherson Quartet Jazz Winnipeg Festival Manitoba Theatre Centre June 21, 2006
Bobby Hutcherson has proven himself to be a consistently brilliant musician for over forty years. The vibraphonist brought his quartet to town last week as part of the Jazz Winnipeg Festival. Not surprisingly, they performed admirably.
The show began with Pomponio, a harmonically static tune with a Latin tinge. Following the conclusion of the piece, Hutcherson introduced his ensemble and raised ...
read moreSF Jazz Collective: SF Jazz Collective 2
by Paul Ryan
The SF Jazz Collective's second Nonesuch release focuses on the compositions of John Coltrane, with a few originals thrown into the mix. Despite the fact that this ensemble has so many stars, its cohesiveness as a unit is palpable. No one seems to steal the spotlight, although certain musicians are featured on specific tunes.
Bobby Hutcherson's vibes take center stage on Coltrane's classic Naima, after a beautifully voiced ensemble introduction. Hutcherson's intonation is impeccable and his technical prowess ...
read moreChristian Scott: Rewind That
by Paul Ryan
The future of the trumpet in jazz appears to be in able hands. Wynton Marsalis may now be a veteran, but he's still relatively young at 44; the same can be said of Roy Hargrove, eight years his junior. Nicholas Payton has many releases under his own name and is a sought-after sideman, for example with Greg Osby and the SF Jazz Collective. Dave Douglas' career has been widely documented and, for what it's worth, he has received numerous awards ...
read moreTaylor Eigsti: Lucky To Be Me
by Paul Ryan
To play with veteran jazzmen like Christian McBride and Lewis Nash at the tender age of 21, you have to have both talent and a good dose of confidence. Pianist Taylor Eigsti possesses both of these traits and then some, as his first album on Concord, Lucky To Be Me, indicates.
McBride and Nash accompany Eigsti on bass and drums, respectively, on half of the album's twelve tracks. Sometimes the trio is augmented by Julian Lage's guitar, and ...
read moreEddie Daniels: Mean What You Say
by Paul Ryan
Only a handful of clarinetists on today's jazz scene can be described as truly accomplished on the instrument, and Eddie Daniels is one of them. On Mean What You Say he is joined by two former Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra bandmates, Hank Jones and Richard Davis, on piano and bass, respectively. Rounding out this formidable group is drummer Kenny Washington, who takes few solos but complements the playing of his cohorts admirably.
Daniels also plays tenor saxophone on ...
read more