Reuben Radding: Intersections

Bassist Reuben Radding is equally comfortable in jazz, classical and ethnic music. His duet disc with Daniel Carter, Luminesence (AUM Fidelity, 2003), was a modern classic. He has also worked with Jack Wright, John Zorn and Dave Douglas. Calling in Oscar Noriega (from Satoko Fujii's NY Big Band) and Matt Moran (from John Hollenbeck's ensembles), Radding brings two soon-to-be-superstars of the new jazz scene to the table. Noriega's Luciano's Dream (Omnitone) was a top ten pick for many critics in 2000.

Radding penned six of the nine tracks. Two are group creations and the closer is a version of Olivier Messiaen's "Dance Of Fury. His bass playing reminds me of Mario Pavone, favoring a warm, rounded tone, and playing off others quite well. That's why he is included in many small group and chamber settings.

Noriega's clarinet playing follows from his saxophone prowess. He chooses, like Moran, to keep things inside, favoring small gestures and phrases. This is very agreeable chamber music. Moran for his part is a perfect guest, ringing his vibes and simmering throughout. On "North he lays down a humming that Radding bows over to great effect.

Interestions bears repeated spins on your psyche.