By Glenn Astarita
The Open Air Meeting by Muhal Richard Abrams & Marty Ehrlich (New World Records)
Two modern masters partake in a series of duets as pianist Muhal Richard Abrams intricate chord progressions, rapid fire leads and percussive attack counterbalances the equally gifted woodwind specialist Ehrlich who performs on Alto Sax and Clarinet. Recorded live in 1996, the interplay and overall synergy is quite special as the musicians create weaving tapestries while also engaging in sterling dialogue where disparate ideas converge rather seamlessly! * * * *
Soul On Soul by Dave Douglas (RCA Records)
Dave Douglas inaugural release for RCA Records is a mighty impressive outing, which should come as no surprise to his ardent fan base. Here, the trumpeter serenades the great pianist/composer Mary Lou Williams as Douglas adheres a bit closer to the mainstream side of the spectrum. Yet there are numerous sparks of heated dialogue with saxophonists/clarinetists Chris Speed, Greg Tardy, trombonist Josh Roseman and the Herculean rhythm section of bassist James Genus, drummer Joey Baron and pianist Uri Caine. With Soul On Soul, the trumpeter performs stylized and deeply personalized renditions of Ms Williams compositions while adding several originals to the project. The musicians move forward without looking back as the streaming flow, tight unison lines, disciplined choruses and industrious musicianship equates to a glistening and meritorious homage to this truly great woman of jazz. Hence, Douglas and co. continue their noteworthy assault on modern music while pursuing sounds, themes and novel ideas that may intimate or at the very least, contribute to the dawning of a new age in modern jazz music.
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This Place by Scott Colley (Steeplechase)
On This Place, bassist Scott Colley, saxophonist Chris Potter and drummer Bill Stewart unite for a modern jazz trio extravaganza that smokes! Other than some strong originals by the bassist, the Trio performs imaginative renditions of Monks Ugly Beauty, Sonny Rollins Airegin, Tranes Mr Day, Jimmy Rowles gorgeous piece, The Peacocks and one Potter original. Essentially, this is first rate jazz played with conviction while the musicians also display remarkable depth!.......* * * *
Silent Films by Spazztet (Independent)
Here we have a Chicago based violin, guitar, bass and drums quartet who playfully call themselves, Spazztet. Throughout, the band performs with candor, verve and certitude. It doesnt take too long to realize that these musicians are serious, despite the humorous name and the quirky CD cover. Many of these pieces swing hard as the musicians also afford themselves ample solo space amid sonorous themes, some loose funk and the at times hard-core improvisation, which is most notably evident on the tail end of the final composition titled, The Cats Great Ascension. On this track the musicians inflict heavy damage while launching the proceedings into overdrive while undoubtedly gaining the respect of those who admire the Mahavishnu Orchestra or more recently, the violin-guitar based prog/fusion band, Boud Deun. Good things are on the horizon for the extremely mobile and articulate band known as Spazztet * * * œ
Song Of The Sun Tyrone Brown Sextet (NAXOS Jazz)
Bassist Tyrone Brown has performed on over 60 recordings and has received much acclaim while performing with the legendary Max Roach. On this new release, Brown performs with a string sextet, including the esteemed jazz violinist John Blake. Sweet strings surge onward intermingled with Browns booming yet deftly executed bass lines as the musicians meld lush and softly stated melodies with a sprinkling of tenacity, verve and sparkling notions that sound fresh and unaffected. Song Of The Sun is upbeat and quietly exhilarating. * * * *
