Martial Solal Dodecaband: Martial Solal Dodecaband Plays Ellington

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: February 1, 2001

Martial Solal Dodecaband: Martial Solal Dodecaband Plays Ellington

A decidedly different chamber jazz kind of tribute to Duke Ellington comes from the creative mind of Paris-based Martial Solal. With a sound like that of Miles Davis' mid-century nonet, the pianist weaves tuba, baritone saxophone, rhythm, brass and woodwinds into a big band sound with suite-like implications. Following the cool school approach, Solal leaves out some of the swing, and supplies, instead, a creative manuscript that flows in many directions at once. Muted trumpets, droning bottom voices, splashes of drum set textures, and the leader's inspired piano merge with snippets of melody from each of the upper voices. A silky soprano saxophone, clarion trumpet, conversational trombone and percussive piano take turns with these familiar melodies. But, for the most part, Solal's arrangements employ one twist and turn after another in unexpected directions. Monk meets Ellington, so to speak, in a creative environment where no linear rules apply. Harmony and applicable rhythms follow tradition without breaking down. But no rhythm goes on undisturbed for more than one brief chorus at a time. Solal has arranged these classic tunes as if they were all a part of one ever-changing suite. Like a bee or hummingbird who moves repeatedly from one flower to the next one, Martial Solal prefers to move his Dodecaband in new and multiple directions before tradition catches up with him.

Track Listing: Satin Doll. Caravan. In a Sentimental Mood. It Don't Mean a Thing. Take the 'A' Train. Medley: Cotton Tail; Don't Get Around Much Anymore; Things Ain't What They Used to Be; Take the 'A' Train; Prelude to a Kiss; Sophisticated Lady; I Got It Bad; Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me.

Personnel: Martial Solal: piano, arranger; Tony Russo: trumpet; Roger Guerin: trumpet; Eric LeLann: trumpet; Denis LeLoup: trombone; Jacques Bolognesi: trombone; Didier Havet: tuba; Jean-Louis Chautemps: reeds; Sylvain Beuf: reeds; Jean-Pierre Solves; reeds; Patrice Caratini: bass; Francois Merville: drums; Umberto Pagini: drums.

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