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Scott Cowan: Jack's Place
ByThe quartet finds a deep groove, on "A Little Blues For A Little One," that unfurls rather lazily. The mood captures the moment and is elevated by pianist Matthew Fries, who is eloquent, and lets space have as much acknowledgment in developing the theme as his succinct notes, which contrast with Cowan's blistering tempest of shards. The juxtaposition of approaches is organic and edgy.
In contrast, Cowan is beautifully modulated, with every note oozing warm emotion into the melody, on the lovely, captivating ballad, "My Elizabeth." His expansion of the theme is assured as he stays within the confines of good taste, never letting the boundaries blister unbecomingly.
Cowan pulls in tenor saxophonist Ben Schmidt-Swartz to swing with the quartet on "Jack's Place." The snappy atmosphere is lit by Fries and abetted by Keith Hall's lithe drumming. Schmidt-Swartz is full-bodied as he dives into a well of ideas before Cowan comes in and forges his own vein of inspired grooves.
"Narnian Knight" is an expansive composition that uses the octet to great effect. The ensemble is rich in harmony and takes the Latin-themed song through its changes with aplomb. The soloists are cogent in priming angular motifs, and add pith to the development.
Cowan proves that he is an assured composer and an imaginative player. In tandem with his outfits, he makes Jack's Place one well worth visiting.
Track Listing
Jack’s Place; Popsicle, Taffy and Donuts; Dayacks; Narnian Knight; My Elizabeth; Moch One; Reflection; You Ole’ Cracker; Aslan’s Act; Kazoo Boogaloo; A Little Blues For A Little One.
Personnel
Scott Cowan
trumpetScott Cowan: trumpet; Mathew Fries: piano; Phil Palombi: bass; Keith Hall: drums; John Wojciechowski: alto and tenor saxophones; Ben Schmidt-Swartz: baritone and tenor saxophones; Christian Euman: percussion; Eric Bowman: trombone; John Ailabouni: trumpet; Tommy Proulx: tenor saxophone.
Album information
Title: Jack's Place | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Blujazz Productions
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