Adam Hersh: Tornado Watch

Tornado Watch is a uniquely attractive album from pianist Adam Hersh and his terrific sidemen. It offers ten tracks of intelligent, intensely-performed music. All the songs here are Hersh originals (save one) and each was recorded live in Los Angeles at the "Sam First" jazz club.

"Woe V Shade," obviously a politically directed word play, is a multi-tempoed track with an eight-note theme over a frantic foundation. Hersh takes off on an extended and energetic Rhodes solo, interacting vigorously with the fine rhythm section. Drummer Myles Martin uses his kit in focused reaction to Hersh's, and later guitarist Andrew Renfroe's, respective explorations. "Tornado Watch" continues the textural soundscape in a similarly energetic vein, then breaks into an up-tempo burn; there is less melody, but, there is a stop-go in a freer, expressive portrait. Bassist Jermaine Paul splashes fragments as things quiet down. "Parallel Motion" brings a slower pace into play. Evan Abounassar's trumpet offers the ribbon-like melody in unison with guitar, and the additional sounds move in synchronous motion. Devin Daniels's alto saxophone solo over a chant-like background is wildly free and effective.

The environment here is swathed in assertive interplay, requiring a listener's deep aural engagement. The melodic and harmonic platforms are unique and certainly lend themselves to the soloists' latitudes. The fabric of these tracks is somewhat reminiscent of Chick Corea's "Return to Forever" and also of Weather Report. Hersh's keyboard chops are technically sky-high and his improv favors shorter lines which develop virally. The support team is also outstanding throughout, with drummer Myles Martin a standout among standouts. The live recording is stellar.

Herbie Hancock's "Toys" gets an interesting approach which features a torrid solo from saxophonist Daniels over a straight-ahead base. Leader Hersh makes a solid statement there also. The slower, heavily orchestrated "In the Midst" offers a unison melody with synth and alto stating. Guitarist Andrew Renfroe provides a tasty ride. "Everlasting," a ballad, has Hersh's solo piano launching a light bossa nova. It makes a nice change of pace from the more intense tracks. Impressionistic, the track offers a fine bass solo from Jermaine Paul. Trumpeter Evan Abounassar provides an angular but hip-lyrical exploration. "Concessions" is pure white-hot lava with guitar and alto saxophone stating the Bop-ish melody. Here, Abounassar has his finest ride of the session, as do Renfroe and Hersh. This is both the highlight composition and effort of the date. "Propellant" closes out the gig, driving with a Latin- like theme which finds Hersh with another excellent solo.

Tornado Watch is a superlative, modern-leaning effort which has all the energy, intensity, and randomness of its meteorological namesake.