Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Marshall Gilkes: Lost Words

346

Marshall Gilkes: Lost Words

By

Sign in to view read count
Marshall Gilkes: Lost Words
Every good musician deserves favor, and trombonist Marshall Gilkes has found his with the Maria Schneider Orchestra, the Village Vanguard Orchestra, Chico O'Farrill and Machito among others. His presence in such ensembles is easily justified by his ability to blend in as part of the band, and the fact that his technique is suited to many different grooves and styles.

In between gigs, Gilkes found enough time to write all but one of the tunes that went onto his debut recording Edenderry (Alternate Side, 2005). He goes one better on this, his second as a leader, composing all seven pieces along with an introduction to the opener: "The Crossover."

The writing reflects not only a straight-ahead vision, but also an eye for Latin and Gospel influences. His melodies cock the ear of the listener, and he proceeds to nail that interest as he develops and fills out the theme with cogent ideas. This ability is his greatest attribute.

Gilkes' facility with Latin music is showcased on "Lost Words." The bright atmosphere is unveiled by Jon Cowherd on the piano before the beat is pulled back; the slight shifts of momentum and pulse—a trait that Gilkes is fond of—make for a rather captivating exposition of the tune. While Cowherd ferments ideas through a bank of fluid runs, Gilkes is introspective, letting the melody build seductively before pulling in a martial rhythm. It's a nice one indeed.

The quintet profile their technique on "Five Nights," which moves from 5/4 to a 6/4 beat. It is a layered composition and the band builds it well enough, but the spark of creativity that sits up and strikes the listener is missing. As much as concept may be appreciated, it is the overall impact that counts, and this doesn't make much of one.

"What's Next" turns it all around. The band is in its element complementing each other, opening ideas that can be extended, and being continuously creative. Cowherd and trumpeter Michael Rodriguez define their solos well, but it is Gilkes who takes it all out with robust energy and drive.

A couple of lulls don't dampen the open road that lies ahead for Gilkes.

Track Listing

Crossover Intro; The Crossover; Late Arrival; Lost Words; Five Nights; Titeuf; What's Next; End in Sight.

Personnel

Marshall Gilkes: trombone; Michael Rodriguez: trumpet and flugelhorn; Jon Cowherd: piano; Yasushi Nakamura: bass; Clarence Penn: drums.

Album information

Title: Lost Words | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Alternate Side Records

Comments

Tags

Concerts


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.