Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Craig Buhler: Capistrano Sessions

178

Craig Buhler: Capistrano Sessions

By

Sign in to view read count
Craig Buhler: Capistrano Sessions
Welcome to the West Coast, and welcome to some buoyant cool jazz on Capistrano Sessions. Multiple reedist Craig Buhler (clarinet, alto and tenor saxophones) takes us on a "trip along the Pacific Coast" on this recording. This quintet outing fits the mold of fellow West Coaster Art Pepper's sound, though Buhler and his mates have perhaps a more upbeat, outgoing and slightly less intense approach.

This disc of all original material opens with a zingy, swinging "Lookear," where Buhler blows alto; and, as on all three of the axes he wields here, his sound is distinctive: warm and open, with a hint of blur around its edges. On "Capistrano," Buhler breaks out the clarinet, and trumpeter/flugelhornist Brian Atkinson goes mallet man, playing vibes to give the tune a gleaming bounce. "October," one of the more introspective moments of the set, features Buhler playing a soulful tenor sax with a deep, rich tone.

"Molly Ann" sounds as if it could have been titled "Maria Anna." It's got a fine Latin vibe—Buhler scorches the air waves on saxophone, and Brian Atkinson blows a loose, relaxed trumpet solo.

Buhler switches horns and Bran Atkinson comes in on vibes here and there. As a result, the vibrant mainstram sounds on Capistrano Sessions—leaning toward the West Coast—stay crisp and gregarious. Craig Buhler and company wear their jazz joy on their sleeves.

Track Listing

Lookear; Capistrano; Rivers; October; Paris Buffet; Himalayan; Migration; Molly Ann; Quiet Passion; Madrid Session; Harbor Cafe Blues.

Personnel

Craig Buhler
woodwinds

Craig Buhler: clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax; Brian Atkinson: trumpet, flugelhorn, vibes; Dave Witham: piano; Joel Hamilton: bass; Paul Kreibich: drums, percussion.

Album information

Title: Capistrano Sessions | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Discernment Music

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter 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.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.