Dom Minasi: Quick Response (2004)

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: November 3, 2004

From jazz's modern mainstream comes "Quick Response," with its soulful organ groove and hip melodic lines. Guitarist Dom Minasi prefers that his title track move fast and furious; and he backs up that wish with positive results. The leader's fiery guitar breaks loose with an articulate fusillade that numbs the senses.

A native New Yorker, Minasi has maintained a jazz trio with bass and drums since he was fifteen. Now 61, he brings his veteran chops and composer's pen to a varied array of contemporary projects.

Minasi's quartet provides an eclectic assortment of moods on Quick Response. Mark Whitecage employs a hearty tone and seamless phrasing to interpret with heartfelt waves of lyrical melody. Organist Kyle Koehler adds a gripping improvisation as well as a solid rhythmic foundation. Drummer John Bollinger colors the session with an assortment of textures to satisfy each different mood. With his partners, Minasi weaves a creative web.

"I Who Have Nothing" swings gently with a danceable, hip-shakin' aura of enthusiasm. "Dizzy Lizzie" moves toward enchantment as the quartet heightens its dramatic input. Their mesmerizing account, while up-tempo and forceful, leaves the audience in a relaxed state through its swinging focus. Similarly, "Softly As In a Morning Sunrise" moves quickly through its paces and should enchant even the stodgiest listener with its blinding articulation and soulful groove. Highly recommended, Minasi's album picks his audience up with a bright, refreshing mood—and superb musicianship to boot.

Audio samples and more are available at www.DomMinasi.com .

Track Listing: What Is This Thing Called Love; Feels Like Rain in China; For My Father; Quick Response; I Who Have Nothing; Into the Night; Dizzy Lizzie; When Your Dreams Come True; Softly As In a Morning Sunrise.

Personnel: Dom Minasi- guitar; Mark Whitecage- alto saxophone; Kyle Koehler- organ; John Bollinger- drums.

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