F. Vattel Cherry: For Those Who Heal

A series of duets with fellow bassists Peter Hickey, John Voigt, alto saxophonist Blaise Siwula and guitarist, multi-instrumentalist Ras Chris, the music was recorded at various East Coast venues while at times, it seems as though the mic’s were placed a tad too far away from the musicians. Yet many of these improvisations do indeed sustain interest, although the twenty-minute bass duet between Cherry and Peter Hickey, while often captivating, may generate more appeal for either students of the bass or for those who can’t get enough of extended solo bass style opuses.

Cherry’s truly captivating duet with the criminally under recognized alto saxophonist Blaise Siwula is pure improvisational magic as the saxophonist’s distinctive sound and endearing vibrato sets him apart from many of his peers. Here, the duo match wits via concisely executed linear lines, dashes of balladry, call and response and soulful ruminations amid sequences of heated commotion.

Without a doubt, F. Vattel Cherry is an important modern jazz/improviser who has quite a bit to say. Here, the bassist exhibits his healing forces through sound and a convicted approach to his craft.

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