Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Ryan Cohan: Another Look
Ryan Cohan: Another Look
ByThe main quartet does, indeed, make this album come alive. Lorin Cohen's bass work raises itself to a level where it must be noticed his solo on "Song For My Grandfather" captures the song's sensitivity, but also pushes it forward rhythmically. On "Monk'n Around," he sets the tone of the entire recording with his solo intro, and during the track's long stretches, drummer Kobie Watkins takes a back seat to Cohen's contribution to the groove. When he is the featured member of the groove, like on the album closer "Steppin' Up." Watkins adds a real dance-like quality. Much of Geof Bradfield's playing shows off his marvelous technical skill; still, the multi-reedist takes care to expose his sensitive side on "Gentle Souls."
Cohan takes care to exhibit his own playing as well, with his solo intro to "Song For My Grandfather." In ensemble playing, he can be found as the lead instrument, delivering the melodies on "Song For My Grandfather" and "Joshua." Much like Bill Evans, Cohan further stimulates group interaction by selflessly providing creative information; he even adds to the groove in a way that resembles Thelonious Monk. Cohan also shows off his eye for personnel; in addition to his working quartet, he invites two guests: vibraphonist Joe Locke and percussionist Steve Kroon. While Locke contributes some stirring solo work, Kroon's atmospheric sounds really bring together the mood of the title track.
Since the days of John Coltrane's famous mid-'60s quartet, many jazz musicians have attempted to put together and keep a regular working small group, to allow for maximum communication and improvisation. Cohan's Another Look catches this magic of interaction.
Track Listing
Monk'n Around; Joshua; You & Me; This or That; Caravan; (Intro) Gentle Souls; Gentle Souls; Another Look; (Intro) Song for my Grandfather; Song for my Grandfather; Steppin' Up.
Personnel
Ryan Cohan
arrangerRyan Cohan: piano; Joe Locke: vibraphone; Geof Bradfield: soprano and tenor saxophones, bass clarinet; Lorin Cohen: bass; Kobie Watkins: drums; Steve Kroon: percussion.
Album information
Title: Another Look | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Motema Music