By Glenn Astarita
Full Circle Suite by the Joe Fonda Quintet (CIMP Records)
Veteran modern jazz bassist Joe Fonda has performed with the best and brightest of forward thinking modern jazz innovators such as Anthony Braxton and others. Here, Fonda leads a quintet featuring bass clarinetist Gebhard Ullmann, soprano saxophonist Chris Jonas, trumpeter Taylor Ho Bynum and drummer/percussionist Kevin Norton. Basically, Fonda exhibits strong compositional prowess throughout these five pieces which serve as launching pads for the soloists to strut their respective wares, yet the musicians display uncanny intuitiveness especially during sequences of extended dialogue and dynamic unison choruses. Overall, theres an easily recognizable flow amid scathing horns, impressive drumming by Norton and Fondas sinewy lines. Stunning ensemble work!
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35th reunion by the New York Art Quartet (DIW)
Here we have the 35th reunion of an outfit that contributed mightily to the 60s modern jazz and/or avant-garde scene. Saxophonist John Tchicai, drummer Milford Graves, trombonist Roswell Rudd and bassist Reggie Workman realign for a series of pieces that conjures up notions of world chaos, sounds of the streets and world beat vibes enhanced by Amiri Barakas spoken word-poetry. Essentially, this is music art as the musicians paint pastiches with impressionistic savvy via expansive interplay and multi-layered passages. Colorful, unabashed yet stylistic, the New York Art Quartet revitalizes concepts conquered thirty-five years ago with a modernistic approach and superior craftsmanship.
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See Robert Spencers AAJ July00 artist profile on John Tchicai: www.allaboutjazz.com/artists/JTchicai.htm
Live & In Clave by the Bobby Sanabria Big Band Afro-Cuban Dream" (Arabesque)
This new recording led by drummer/percussionist Bobby Sanabria should be welcomed with open arms by fans of Afro-Cuban style jazz. Recorded live at New York Citys Birdland, Sanabria and crew pull out all the stops with this exceptional and multifaceted release. Other than the blaring horn charts, Sanabria seemingly encourages his musical cohorts to partake in various modes of improvisation as the musicians branch off into a mélange of interesting motifs, whether percussion oriented or when the lead soloists stray off course and redevelop previously established themes. Throughout, Sanabria extracts the finer elements of big band Latin jazz while the musicians cover just about every perceivable angle imaginable. Easily one of the top Afro-Cuban jazz recordings this writer has heard in several years. Essential!
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Cause and Effect by the Abraham Burton - Eric MsPherson Quartet (ENJA)
Tenor saxophonist Abraham Burton exhibits a signature style here and once again proves that he is a major force in the land of modern jazz. Along with co-leader, drummer Eric McPherson, pianist James Hurt and bassist Yosuke, Burton soars skyward throughout these six engaging post-bop and Coltrane-ish pieces yet its fifteen-minute the title track that provides most of the commotion and excitement. Here, Burton embarks on a lengthy solo flight atop Hurts cyclical harmonically induced theme that is bound to knock you off your seat! Simply put, you wont find any filler material here as these compositions stick! A rousing and memorable performance this is!
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Ill Stay Out Here And Talk To Harry by the Krister Jonsson Trio (LJ Records)
More good news from Sweden! This modern jazz-fusion power trio led by guitarist Krister Jonsson at times performs about as carefree as the rather glib title might suggest. Featuring a series of lengthy pieces and short improvs, the band is liable to pursue staggering psychedelic Hendrix-like motifs or engage in playful dialogue. However, the musicians maintain interest via remarkable interplay and intense yet meaningful soloing amid a bright outlook and loose, affable demeanor. Further evidence of the viable and inventive Swedish jazz scene!
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