Matt Renzi, Jimmy Weinstein & Masa Kamaguchi: Dream Life (2002)

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, 2002

Their latest collaboration came amid tours of Spain and Portugal. Traveling can do wonders for one’s creativity; however, this trio wasn’t in need of a boost. They’d already proven that through earlier recordings. Based in New York, Jimmy Weinstein, Masa Kamaguchi and Matt Renzi represent the growth pattern of modern mainstream jazz. They swing in a traditional sense, while expanding jazz’s horizon through creative interplay. Solos from each artist punctuate a session of cohesive ensemble invention. Compositions by Ornette Coleman, Dave Brubeck, Carla Bley and others serve as launch points for their exploration. Kamaguchi’s lyrical bass lines combine with Renzi’s seamless phrasing and Weinstein’s textual variety to produce another winner. Emotions run high in spots, and a deep blues feeling pervades. The trio continues to blaze a trail for the growth of modern mainstream jazz.

Track Listing: Blues Connotation; If I Should Lose You; Dream Life; Israel; Quiet Now; The Duke; Ida Lupino; All My Life; Blues Connotation.

Personnel: Matt Renzi- tenor saxophone; Masatoshi Kamaguchi- bass; Jimmy Weinstein- drums.

Record Label: Blue Moon
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream