An abundance of conceptual borrowing characterizes Gregory Tardy’s first release for Palmetto. Tardy cut his debut album nearly ten years ago and has been a not unknown figure on the jazz scene for the past six. His path has crossed with a number of recognizable names: Andrew Hill, Wynton Marsalis, Jay McShann. Evidently heavily influenced by John Coltrane, Tardy lifts wholesale ideas the jazz great originated. He dedicates "Warring Spirits", a work in three movements, to God. The parallel to A Love Supreme is inescapable. "Giant Steps" inspired the less strenuous "Educated Guesswork". Here, Tardy emulates Trane at much mellower and reduced tempo. An overall sense of restraint pervades the session. The listener feels that neither the leader nor his able colleagues every really cut loose. Even on the up-tempo portions of "Iconoclasm", Tardy refrains from utilizing the high register that the soprano sax affordsno characteristic sharp wail is evident. Some individual epiphanies shine through. On Conly’s "Nene’s Way", Tardy displays his technical versatility: he opts for the clarinet and produces an elegant solo. During his guest appearance on the opening track, alto saxophonist Miguel Zenon blows bright, ethereal lines. Colligan’s right hand runs and loping chords on "Iconoclasm" demonstrate a groovy rhythmic sensibility. And the presence of Woody Williams on drums infuses the album with the energy that it has: the drummer actively moves around his kit pounding rolls and fills that support the soloists. Through Abundance, Gregory Tardy provides a well constructed if stylistically derivative offering.
Track Listing
Plan B; Talkative Tucker; The Very Thought Of You; Warring Spirits; Bata Interlude; Nene
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.
We sent a confirmation message to . Look for it, then click the link to activate your account. If you don’t see the email in your inbox, check your spam, bulk or promotions folder.
African Jazz Afrobeat Ambient / New Age Beyond Jazz Big Band Blues Brazilian / Bossa Nova / Samba Classical / Chamber Dixieland / New Orleans / Swing Electronica Free Improv / Avant-Garde Fringes of Jazz Funk / Groove / Acid Jazz Fusion / Progressive Rock Hot Jazz / Gypsy Jazz Jam Band Latin Lounge / Exotica Modern Jazz R&B / Soul Reggae / Ska Spiritual / Cosmic Jazz Straight-ahead (Bop, Hard bop, Cool) Vocal