Mike Fahn
Close Your Eyes...and Listen
Sparky 1 Productions
By Mark F. Turner
Close Your Eyes...and Listen is an appropriate title for the new recording by valve trombonist Mike Fahn; which showcases the majestic and beautiful sound of the peculiar instrument in the hands of a most capable musician. Fahn, who is primarily self-taught, has an impressive resume with luminaries such as Maynard Ferguson, Dizzy Gillespie, and Diana Krall. FahnÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs past credentials are intact but itÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs his smooth sound and style on this new recording that leave the greatest impression of his skill.
WhatÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs so special about a valve trombone? For a brief synopsis: instead of having a moving slide; a set of valves are located at the top of the U near the bell, which changes the key the trombone plays in. This advantage makes it easier to move quickly between notes that are far apart. With this in mind, Mike FahnÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs mastery of the unique instrument is quite evident throughout the recording.
The recording displays a wide range of music styles; from the contemplative opening selection ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂWithout ChangesÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ, with its ultra smooth sound, to the funky reggae tinged jam ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂHeart ForestÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ. FahnÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs solos are strong yet balanced with finesse, with an almost trumpet like feel in its speed and delivery. The talented set of musicians for this recording deliver equal amounts of skill and passion. A good example is the fiery selection ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂClose Your EyesÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ which features tight horn arrangements and intense swinging solos from all musicians.
FahnÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs range and ease of deploying notes is attributed to the valve instrument and to his consummate musicianship. The most beautiful composition on the recording is the blissful ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂThe BurrenÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ which was written by Fahn and his spouse Mary Ann McSweeny who is a jazz bassist. The opening trombone solo overdub is superbly delivered, with a mood that takes the listener to a higher musical plane. Exquisite solos are introduced by the bass, guitar, and then by Fahn. The piece ends with the same atmospheric trombone solo by Fahn. The listener can close his or her eyes and enjoy the rich and unique sound of a musician and instrument that are truly in tune.
Sunce Winery is a cool little family winery tucked away in a quiet spot in Sonoma County. Sunce, which means ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂsunÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ in Croatian, was formerly known as One World Winery. I always enjoyed One WorldÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs wines, but upon tasting SunceÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs latest offerings, I found them to be, well, rather out of this world (this is a good thing).
