David Zoffer & Adam Larrabee: Courage In Closeness (2003)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: February 2, 2003

David Zoffer & Adam Larrabee: Courage In Closeness

The piano and guitar duo of David Zoffer and Adam Larrabee explores many contrasting aspects of the jazz art on Courage In Closeness, recorded live in Boston. They interpret originals in such a manner that expression takes over and the blues weaves itself throughout. Zoffer delights in drawing together music from various historical epochs. Early Gershwin and raggedy Joplin may appear on the same bill as Garfield The Cat or Bill Cosby. These themes appeal to a broad audience. Larrabee slides and tosses out wah-wahs in a vocal manner. Unique in his use of clear, fluid and seamless phrases, the guitarist provides memorable melodic segments. Together, the duo re-interprets Chopin and Scott Joplin, drawing from a wide range. A personal favorite, “Seasonal Beards” draws from the tango magicianship of Astor Piazzolla. Larrabee and Zoffer dive right into the heart of each separate area of music. The title track opens deep and mysterious, with both artists showing evidence of contemporary as well as studied applications. Swinging gently through jazz and blues simultaneously, the duo evokes a sentiment that unites deep, harmonic rifts with soaring, vocal-like airs. One piece launches bluegrass; another delights in swinging through the twentieth century. In all, these two young lions have come up with a winning performance. Audio and video clips are available at www.davidzoffer.com .

Track Listing: Talk to Me; Here Comes Spider; For JMZ; Need You So; Chopin Noc-turned; Seasonal Beards; Escape Artist; Courage in Closeness; Phillipe

Personnel: David Zoffer- piano; Adam Larrabee- guitar.

Record Label: Zofco Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream