CD/LP/Track Review
The Josh Roseman Unit: Cherry (2002)
Glenn Astarita
Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.
If you ever wondered whether a musician could transform Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel," into a quasi, calypso-funk groove than stop right here. Well, notions such as these may seem fiendishly theoretical in scope, yet New York City-based trombonist, Josh Roseman's debut solo effort is full of dainty little surprises. Not only he does he pay a little homage to King Elvis, but also tackles Burt Bachrach, Led Zeppelin and the late alternative rock icon, Kurt Cobain among others. With support from a venerable crew of fellow modern jazz acolytes, Roseman and his willing accomplices, render a feisty big band arrangement of Lennon/McCartney's "If I Fell." Whereas, the ensemble fabricates Zeppelin's "Kashmir," into a huge wall of sound, featuring the leader's gritty horn work. By the way, this Zeppelin hard rock classic seems to be a favorite amid jazz and fusion artists, evidenced by "The Dregs," and more recently, on J.A.Granelli's EZ Pour Spout project. However, Roseman also shines as an astute and rather clever songsmith on such originals as the memorably tuneful "Extra Virgin."
The musicians' tongue-in-cheek rendition of Sun Ra's "Love In Outer Space," might kindle thoughts of a rowdy Italian wedding although guitarist, Ben Monder provides the jazz element via his fleet fingered single note runs. Guitar whiz, David Fiuczynski renders the loud, chunka-chunka chord progressions during the "Nirvana" hit, Smells Like Teen Spirit." Furthermore, Roseman dedicates this production to both Sun Ra and the recently departed trumpeter, Lester Bowie - who performed on three of these works.
Roseman's wondrous and cleverly articulated brainchild is chock full of robust soloing and cagey arrangements. Besides all of his ingenuity and wit - Roseman has resourcefully touched upon the periphery of the road less traveled, due to his sophisticated approach to the material. Cheerfully recommended!
Knitting Factory
Velour Music
Josh Roseman
Track Listing: 1.Don?t Be Cruel 2.IfI Fell 3.Kashmir 4.In The Land Of Make Believe 5.Daddy?s Gonna Tell You No Lie 6.Extra Virgin 7.Just To Keep You Satisfied 8.Love In Outer Space 9.Trousertrout 10.Frank Mills Jr. 11.Smells Like Teen Spirit 12.Daddy Redux
Personnel: Josh Roseman: trombone ? Lester Bowie: trumpet (8,9,11) ? Jay Rodruiges: baritone sax (1,11) tenor sax (3,4) flute (2) ? David Jensen: tenor sax (1-3, 6,10) Matt Shulman: trumpet (1-3) John Medeski: organ, piano, wurly, clav, Arp strings ? Ben Monder: guitar (1-3, 5-10, 12) ? David Fiuczynski: stunt guitar (1,3,4,11) ? Bob Stewart: tuba, electric tuba (5, 7-9,11,12) ? Scott Colley: acoustic bass (1-4, 6, 10) Joey Baron: drums (3,5 7-9,11,12) ? Ari Hoenig: drums (1,2,4,6,10) ? EJ Rodruiguez: percussion (3-6, 10,12)
Record Label: Knitting Factory | Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream
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