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Jamie Baum: Moving Forward, Standing Still
The ensemble creates distinct layers of sound on "All Roads Lead to You," and as the parts converge, the pace quickens for Baum's lilting flute solo followed by Yate's burning alto. The rhythm section sets up the fleet "In the Journey," with Colligan's piano doubling the bass and the horns mirroring the same rhythm. Alessi takes advantage of the movement, showcasing his deft trumpet before the pianist gets a solo. The proceedings mellow on "Clarity," with Hirshfield coloring the spacious passages with subtle brushwork. Gress' nimble pizzicato anchors the opening section of "From Scratch/Primordial Prelude," supporting the sunny melody, before the tune shifts into introspection and another outstanding Alessi solo. Varner's horn gets the spotlight on "Central Park," backed by subtle bass clarinet and shimmering percussion from Yamamoto. The aptly titled "Bar Talk" boasts explicit movement and complex harmonic structure, while "Rivington Street Blues" is a quick ditty with swirling horns and a driving pulse.
Baum's experiment does more than show that the instrumentation works. It sounds natural and signals that Baum has reached a level of confidence as a composer unafraid to surprise and challenge listeners.
Track Listing
All Roads Lead to You, Spring Rounds, In the Journey, Clarity, Medley: From Scratch/Primoridal Prelude,South Rim, Central Park, Bar Talk, Spring, Rivington Street Blues
Personnel
Jamie Baum
fluteJamie Baumflute and alto flute; Ralph Alessitrumpet, flugelhorn; Doug Yatesalto saxophone and bass clarinet; Tom VarnerFrench horn; George Colliganpiano; Drew Gressbass; Jeff Hirshfielddrums
Album information
Title: Moving Forward, Standing Still | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: OmniTone
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