Perhaps the core, and highly noticeable component here, is that traditional groove oriented, R&B induced music, while in the hands of musicians who respectively possess a distinctive voice enables the tried and true to be elevated to a higher plane. With drummer Joey Baron’s second “Songline/Tone Field” release titled We’ll Soon Find Out, these characteristics provide the winning edge, in an often huge way!

The opener, a composition titled “ Slow Charleston”, is indicative of what looms ahead. Here, alto saxophonist Arthur Blythe’s searing vibrato and soul drenched lines surge onward while bassist Ron Carter and Baron implement slow fours with coy understatement amid a loose vibe. On “Junior”, Baron is a one-man percussion band as he employs complex Afro-Cuban rhythms in support of Blythe’s quite ferocity, linear themes and melodic interludes as guitarist Bill Frisell converges with funkified chords and unison lines. Whereas, “Widely” is a moving ballad of perhaps transcendental proportions as Frisell delves into some airy chord structures along with his now infamous injections of C&W style twang and poignant single note leads.

Basically, We’ll Soon Find Out offers breezy passages, finger snapping rhythms, strong yet unobtrusive and quite thoughtful soloing in accordance with Baron’s conspicuous compositional pen. Yet within the hands of ordinary souls, the music and overall format might signify more of the norm; however, Baron, Frisell, Blythe and Carter shine forth with a candid demeanor while also providing a clinic of sorts - on the art of making good music that certainly strikes a memorable chord! Recommended.

* * * * (out of * * * * *)

Joey Baron at All About Jazz.
Visit Joey Baron on the web.

Personnel:

Arthur Blythe; Alto Saxophone: Bill Frisell; Guitars: Ron Carter; Bass: Joey Baron; Drums & Composer

Track listing: 1) Slow Charleston 2) Closer Than You Think 3) Junior 4) Time To Cry 5) Wisely 6) Bit o’ Water 7) M 8) Equaled 9) Contact

(Songline/Tone Field Productions)

Published: August 01, 2000
Style: Mainstream/Bop/Hard Bop/Cool

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