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Tom Beckham: Rebound
ByBeckham has a unique approach to the vibraphone and does not sound like anyone else. He also composed all the pieces heresmartly crafted, varied and complex enough to be interesting, but not so intricate as to discourage space for improvised solos. Cheek, Hey and Beckham are the main soloists and all three stretch out and weave tight musical lines that are rooted in the melody even as they meander far enough from it to maintain interest.
As a vibraphonist, Beckham shines when his solos are backed by bass and drums, but when the piano enters, even in a supportive role, it tends to encroach on his lines, as if chomping at the bit to let loose and overtake the music. During the ensemble playing, Beckham's mallets can be barely heard over the dominating conversation of saxophone and piano.
As a composer he proves to be intelligent and unique, creating catchy, complex and innovative melodies that allow for different interpretations and improvisations; one or two might even become standards.
This is not a ground breaking masterpiece, but remains solid, consistently interesting and, despite its faults, a highly enjoyable and rewarding album.
Track Listing
Tethered; In Flight; Tiny Star; Parting the Water; Carnival; World Cup; Cee's and Dee's; Grillin'.
Personnel
Tom Beckham
vibraphoneTom Beckham: vibraphone; Chris Cheek: saxophones; Henry Hey: piano; Matt Clohesy: bass; Ferenc Nemeth: drums.
Album information
Title: Rebound | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Apria Records
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