Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Chris Speed: Really OK

10

Chris Speed: Really OK

By

Sign in to view read count
Track review of "Argento"

Chris Speed: Really OK
Saxophonist, clarinetist, Chris Speed has been in the thick of things the past several decades. He's been a co-conspirator in trendsetting ensembles led by alto saxophonists, composers Tim Berne, John Zorn, and leading-edge outfits Claudia Quintet and Pachora amid a host of other noteworthy projects. Speed's prominence in the newer realm of jazz and jazz improvisation cannot be minimized. On Really OK he reenergizes his craft with a roots driven modern jazz trio presentation, featuring a mix of originals, a pop standard, and works by Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane.

With asymmetrical infusions of tenacity, warmth and skirmishes within the outside realm, Speed's succinct phrasings and searching qualities mesh rather nicely with a few paradigm shifts interspersed into the big picture. On his original piece "Argento," bassist Chris Tordini establishes the heartbeat, contrasted by Bad Plus drummer, Dave King's polyrhythmic pulse. Here, the saxophonist's dark-toned lines waver between bop and a few rough-hewn avant blasts into the stratosphere as the trio engages in a swirling, spiraling and buoyant jaunt. Speed's top-down manner of storytelling is complemented by soaring mini-motifs and graceful descents. Moreover, King has lots of tricks up his sleeve and flings several rhythmically acute curveballs into the mix. In sum, Speed's élan, laudable skillsets and interminable wit shine radiantly. Really OK is much more than just an undeviating, risk-free jazz trio outing, and that alone, is really ok.

Personnel

Chris Speed
saxophone

Chris Speed: tenor saxophone; Chris Tordini: acoustic bass; Dave King: drums.

Album information

Title: Really OK | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Skirl Records

Comments

Tags

Concerts


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter 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.
View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.