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Mark Isaacs: Visions
ByPurists might argue that popular tunes written during the rock era are too harmonically static to warrant serious exploration. But such stasis certainly gives skilled improvisors lots of space and opportunity for inventive reharmonization and interpretation. Unfortunately, Issacs plays it safe, choosing to stick closely to the text of songs by James Taylor, Lennon/McCartney and Joni Mitchell, among others.
On the plus side, his trio with bassist Ben Waples and drummer James Hauptmann, has a very intimate rapport that makes tracks like Stevie Wonder's "Visions," "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Moon River" shine. The title track in particular is a very somber and sensitive interpretation of one of Wonder's most moving ballads. "Both Sides Now" has some interesting moments, but "Sounds of Silence," "Fool on the Hill," "Fire and Rain" and "Leaving on a Jet Plane" fail to go beyond anything but pleasant meanderings.
The eight selections on this disc were clearly chosen for their strong melodies, and in such a narrow context, Isaac and his trio indeed shows that songs often neglected by jazz musicians in favor of the standard book deserve more intensive scrutiny. But the overall effect of these performances is one of expectations unfulfilled. Each track sounds much like the next, without any meaningful dynamic contrast.
Mark Isaacs clearly has a great deal of love and respect for these classic songsperhaps a little too much respect. I wince at referring to any work by a musician of Isaacs' calibre as mere background music, but unfortunately Visions, despite the best of intentions, fails to hit its mark.
Track Listing
Visions; Fool on the Hill; Both Sides Now; Fire and Rain; The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face; Leaving on a Jet Plane; Sounds of Silence; Moon River.
Personnel
Mark Isaacs
pianoMark Isaacs: piano; Ben Waples: bass; James Hauptman: drums.
Album information
Title: Visions | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Vorticity Music
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Don Moore