Intuit Ensemble: Reliance (2002)

C. MICHAEL BAILEY,

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: June 1, 2002

In the cool of the evening, when everything is getting' kinda groovy...

Reliance is a spooky little recording. Technically a tenor trio, the Intuit Ensemble sports an even sparer sound than that stripped-down format. Brenden Rush Dance is the reedmeister weaving his way through an odd but interesting collection of fringe standards. Fringe standards because these songs are all well known and associated with free jazz. Sam River's "Beatrice," John Coltrane's "Impressions" and "Mr. P.C." all show up. The band winks at Sonny Rollins with "There Will Never Be Another You" and test drives Be Bop on Tadd Dameron's "Ladybird," all very effectively.

The recording is made with the band set far back in the mix and a good deal of reverb. This sets up a late night ambience, a midnight temperament that is a bit dark and decadent. A definite mood piece, Reliance is recommended for space music fans as well as jazz fans.

Track Listing: Beatrice; Peri's Scope; Impressions; There Will Never Be Another You; Easy Living; Ladybird; Autumn In New York; Mr. P.C.; St. James Infirmary. (Total Time: 73:53).

Personnel: Brenden Rush Dance-- saxophones, flute; Damon Lee-- bass; David Julius-- drums.

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