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Jacam Manricks: Trigonometry
ByThe album begins emphatically on "Trigonometry" with the drums of Obed Calvaire, followed soon after by Gary Versace on piano and Joe Martin on bass. It's a fitting opening as these three players are uniformly excellent throughoutCalvaire in particular displays invention but also a great ability to interact with the front line.
"Cluster Funk" is indeed funky, with Versace's chunky piano chords and tight ensemble playing from the horn section, including trombonist Alan Ferber, driving the tune along with suitable urgency into a strong, slightly frenetic, solo from guest trumpeter Scott Wendholt. In contrast, "Mood Swing" is a more contemplative and slightly mysterious tune that features atmospheric solos from Versace and Manricks while "Labyrinth" finds the album's core quartet delivering a more complex tune with some inventive variations in rhythm and tempo. "Micro Gravity" has the most improvised feel of any of the tunes herea flowing, reflective, piece that showcases Manricks and the rhythm section at their most innovative.
Eric Dolphy's "Miss Ann" is the album's only non-original tune. Manricks, Martin and Calvaire show their strength as a trio on this tuneManricks' sax playing is exceptional here, as is the interplay between Manricks and Calvaire which is held together by Martin's rock solid bass before he gets the chance to take his own solo. It's an excellent choice for the albumManricks' fine arrangement is beautifully played and blends well with his own original compositions. Trigonometry establishes Manricks as a writer and player of note.
Track Listing
Trigonometry; Cluster Funk; Slippery; Nucleus; Miss Ann; Sketch; Mood Swing; Labyrinth; Combat; Micro Gravity.
Personnel
Jacam Manricks
saxophoneJacam Manricks: saxophones; Gary Versace: piano; Joe Martin: bass; Obed Calvaire: drums; Alan Ferber: trombone; Scott Wendholt: trumpet.
Album information
Title: Trigonometry | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Posi-Tone Records
Comments
About Jacam Manricks
Instrument: Saxophone
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