Adam Rafferty Trio: Kush (2002)

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: June 20, 2002

New York City-based guitarist/educator Adam Rafferty possesses a tone and technique that could spark the envy of a few of his peers. With this release, the artist along with Danton Boller (bass) and Russ “Styles” Dibona (drums) pursue a delicate balance that comprises softly flowing musings with groove based swing vamps. The title track is named after Dizzy Gillespie’s famous composition, which also signifies a tour de force effort for this band. Here, Rafferty commandeers the trio via his resonant mid-toned electric guitar progressions and deft single note lines as Boller establishes the pulse with a rapidly executed ostinato. The band uses space as an equalizer for a sequence of alternating motifs and tight knit rhythmic passages that are formulated upon post-Bop, Latin and more. Their very special treatment of Chick Corea’s “Windows,” includes Rafferty’s expressionistic reconstruction of the primary theme, which is all about warm voicings and lyrically rich statements. However, the guitarist augments many of these works with blistering fills amid Wes Montgomery-like tonalities and expansive improvisational frameworks. Highly Recommended...

Track Listing: 1.Slow Boat To China 2.Con Alma 3.Kush 4.Oleo 5.O Grande Amor 6.Superchunk 7.Windows 8.Kaleidiscope 9.Countdown 10.Frisco

Personnel: Adam Rafferty: guitar, dumbek

Record Label: CAP
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream