Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Shapes: The Big Picture

307

Shapes: The Big Picture

By

Sign in to view read count
Shapes: The Big Picture
By Ted Kane

The Big Picture is the second album from pianist/vibraphonist Roger Burn's protean Shapes ensemble. Like their debut, 2003's The Last Farewell, this set features original compositions from not only Burn but also other members, including harmonica player Tollak Ollestad and guitarists Mike Higgins and Matthew Von Doran. This release is a two-CD affair, and Shapes use the additional time to include their arrangements of several standards. The resultant experience is similar to that of seeing the band play a couple of sets at Spaghettini or the Baked Potato on a given night—the big picture of the band and its mix of contemporary and classic jazz.

Jimmy Haslip is again behind the booth, and occasionally on the other side of it as well. Also on hand are some of his colleagues from the Yellowjackets, including Russell Ferrante, whose turns at various keys allows Burn to shine at marimba on "Eat the Heat" and on vibraphone in several places, as well as Jackets alumnus Robben Ford, who—well, who contributes by being Ford. His introduction to the group's reading of "Naima" is simply beautiful, and Ollestad's arrangement of the tune itself is canny and effective, eschewing the seemingly inevitable bossa nova for a light reggae rhythm that probably sounds a lot better on disc than it looks on paper. And his chromatic harmonica here and elsewhere is a defining element of the group's sound.

The Big Picture is an ambitious effort from a band that seems incapable of giving any other kind. Shapes is a interesting band; though the exact lineup of players and their exact instrumentation is somewhat fluid from track to track, the group nonetheless manages to establish a unique identity. Their sound is contemporary, but still rooted in straight-ahead jazz.

Track Listing

CD1: Arc of Twilight, Naima, The Big Picture, Gabriela, Eat the Heat, Lobster, Measure Once, Sotto Voce. CD2: Softly As in a Morning Sunrise, Love for Sale, In the Outdoors, I Didn't Know What Time It Was, Automat, I Still Remember, What Now?

Personnel

Tollak Ollestad--chromatic harmonica, keys, background vocals; roger Burn--keys, vibraphone; Larry Steen, Dean Taba--bass, Jimmy Haslip; various others...

Album information

Title: The Big Picture | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Burnin' Down the House Records

Comments

Tags


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.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

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