Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Tom Varner: Second Communion

Tom Varner: Second Communion

By Glenn Astarita
June 14, 2002
Sign in to view read count

French hornist Tom Varner's previous OmniTone release, Swimming was considered by many as one of the finest modern jazz releases of 1999. On his follow-up, the artist renders a keenly perceptive tribute to the late trumpeter Don Cherry. Part of the beauty resides within Varner's ability to interject a sense of duality into his compositional forums and renditions of works by luminaries such as Cherry. He straddles modern jazz and avant-garde type improvisational areas while also nurturing a mainstream approach.

One of the many highlights is Varner's five-part suite of the classic Cherry composition, "Complete Communion." In addition, the title of this work denotes the late trumpeter's first date as a leader. Enhanced by gleaming sonic characteristics, (OmniTone's manifesto) the band pursues a course that seemingly extends Cherry's, Ornette Coleman influences into renewed frameworks. Varner and tenor sax titan Tony Malaby's radiantly executed soloing endeavors are supported by drummer Matt Wilson's pulsating beats and prudent nods to ex- Coleman & Cherry drummer, Ed Blackwell. Cameron Brown's prolific bass lines steer the musicians through rhapsodic interludes, while electric guitarist Pete McCann adds a roughly hewn touch due to his sizzling jazz-fusion oriented voicings. The ensemble effortlessly works the perimeter of the main theme, including a steamy, free-flowing cadenza for the reprise, titled "Paris Ambulance Song/Complete Communion." Varner's "Don's Big View," is a sixteen-minute extravaganza consisting of upbeat grooves, oscillating time signatures, and mood evoking passages to coincide with the soloists' feisty exchanges. On this piece, Wilson transforms the flow with a hot n' nasty swing pulse as the artists top off the proceedings with some playfully rambunctious discourses. All that and much more!

It's difficult to refute Varner's increasing relevance to jazz—where his superior artisanship and forward thinking tactics signify an applied synthesis that provides the winning edge.

OmniTone | Tom Varner

Track Listing

1.Watts 2,Complete Communion: 2.Complete Communion 3.And Now 4.Golden Heart 5.Remembrance 6.Paris Ambulance Song/Complete Communion (reprise) 7.Cherryco 8.Don's Big View 9.Leaving Malaga 10.Elephantasy 11.Don's Hymn

Personnel

Tom Varner

french horn

Tom Varner: French horn - Tony Malaby: tenor saxophone - Cameron Brown: bass - Matt Wilson: drums - - With Special Guests: Pete McCann: guitar & Dave Ballou: cornet

Album information

Title: Second Communion | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: OmniTone

< Previous
Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest

Next >
Attila's Dreams

Comments

About Tom Varner

Instrument: French horn

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

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.