Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet: Conversation Piece

The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet: Conversation Piece

By Glenn Astarita
December 1, 1999
Sign in to view read count

The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet: Conversation Piece

“The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet” are experienced and highly skilled jazz musicians who have individually performed or toured with such notables as Brad Mehldau, Lee Konitz, Bily Childs and others. On their latest release, Conversation Piece the Quartet follow up their well-received, Look To The East.

Conversation Piece is all about crafty, well-mannered ensemble work and strong, memorable compositions such as bassist Darek Oleszkiewicz’ soft, lightly swinging and harmonious –“Blues For Old Friends” or drummer Kevin Tullius’ delicate and stirring ballad titled, “Tribute”. On these pieces, the men display sure-handed control of their instruments while making every note count, in a majestic sort of way. The quartet elicit images of a smoky jazz club in the wee hours of the morning with their humble rendition of Monk’s “Round Midnight” while they swing through a variation of a waltz on Larry Koonse’ aptly titled composition, “All Things Waltz”. Here, Koonse displays his acute artistry of jazz guitar as he comps along with the slick, yet driving rhythms also featuring a fine bass solo by Darek Oleszkiewicz. The Quartet wind down on a somber note with Tullius' composition, “A Thank You”.

Simply put, “The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet” get down to the basics yet add an indelible mark through quietly invigorating ensemble work, memorable compositions and an overwhelming sense of unity and focus...... Good jazz with a distinctive edge! * * *

Personnel

The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet

Chuck Manning; Tenor Saxophone: Larry Koonse; Guitar: Darek

Album information

Title: Conversation Piece | Year Released: 1999

< Previous
Holiday Music '99

Next >
Sun Ra Arkestra Directed by Marshall ...

Comments

About The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

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.