Scott Colley: Initial Wisdom (2002)

By

GLENN ASTARITA,

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor - Since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: May 1, 2002

Since his arrival in New York City back in the late 1980’s, jazz bassist Scott Colley has risen thru the ranks in a rather expeditious fashion. As of early 2002, the artist has already appeared on over 100 albums, including sessions with saxophonists Joe Lovano & Greg Osby, pianist Andrew Hill, and many others of note. With his third solo effort, Colley garners the services of the monstrously talented drummer Bill Stewart, while saxophonist Ravi Coltrane and guitarist Adam Rogers round out this superstar-like quartet. Unfortunately, the results prove to be somewhat mixed.

The first three pieces are comprised of loosely organized funk and swaggering swing grooves amid a few uneventful, extended note choruses by Coltrane, who performs on tenor and soprano saxophones throughout. In some instances the saxophonist seems as though he is running on autopilot, while Rogers offers some redemption thanks to a few superbly constructed electric guitar solos. They revisit the loping pace witnessed earlier on the recording during “Trouble In Paradise,” although the distinction here resides within Coltrane and Roger’s engagingly memorable unison lines. Stewart kicks up a storm on “Barracuda,” but three or four solid works cannot salvage the majority of this mildly disappointing effort – especially when viewed in its entirety.

Track Listing: The Susser Scorpios Far Rockaway Alpha Trip Trouble In Paradise Barracudas Eccentric Circles Rubber Clock

Personnel: Ravi Coltrane: tenor & soprano sax - Adam Rogers: guitars - Scott Colley: acoustic bass - Bill Stewart: drums

Record Label: Palmetto Records | Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream