Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Larry Corban & The Aperturistic Trio: The Corbanator

5

Larry Corban & The Aperturistic Trio: The Corbanator

By

Sign in to view read count
Larry Corban & The Aperturistic Trio: The Corbanator
New York-based guitarist Larry Corban took his time creating a follow-up to his debut— Moving 4-Ward (Self Produced, 2002); it would be more than a decade before album number two—The Circle Starts Here (Nabroc Records, 2013)—would appear, but that one got the ball rolling again. Corban formed a strong connection with his trio mates on that project—bassist Harvie S and drummer Steve Williams—so he wisely brought them back for this album, adding pianist James Weidmantheir band mate in The Aperturistic Trio—to make it a foursome.

The Corbanator is a thrilling date with strong soloing and engaging interplay, but it also showcases Corban's writing talents, featuring originals that run the gamut from idiosyncratic and Monk-ish blues ("The Corbanator") to bop- based contrafacts ("Dizzy Affairs") to comfortably-felt odd-metered vehicles (""Hidden Reality"). In addition, Corban cooks on his own ("Swamp Ditty") and delivers some delightful duets with himself. That material, while well-played, is something of a double-edged sword, breaking up the flow of the album yet providing welcome contrast.

While Corban's originals make up the bulk of the program, he works three classics into the mix. "Old Folks" comes off like a masterclass in taste, with Weidman and Corban starting things off, Harvie S delivering a deeply felt solo, and Williams gently supporting from below with his brushes; the penultimately-placed "Blue In Green"—the last of the guitar duets—is a low volume/high energy performance that tops the other Corban-on-Corban numbers; and "You Stepped Out Of The Dream," which closes out the album, is built on shifts between Latin and swing feels. Through it all, Corban kills, the band sounds like a million bucks, and the music benefits from the way all four players come together. Larry Corban has really hit his stride.

Track Listing

Dizzy Affairs; The Corbanator; Sea Of Fire; Hidden Reality; Event Horizon; Old Folks; Stacked Coincidences; Two, Two, Three Step; Swamp Ditty; Don't Lock The Top; Limits Of Inquiry; Blue In Green; You Stepped Out Of A Dream.

Personnel

Larry Corban: guitars; James Weidman: piano; Harvie S: bass; Steve Williams: drums.

Album information

Title: The Corbanator | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Nabroc 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.
View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

What Was Happening
Bobby Wellins Quartet
Laugh Ash
Ches Smith
A New Beat
Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Generation Y

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.