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New Standard Quintet: Another Time, Another Place
ByBe that as it may, the compositionsfour by saxophonist Ken Partyka, three by guitarist Pat Flemingare in no way less than proficient, nor are the musicians who perform them: Partyka, Fleming, keyboardist Tom Vaitsas, bassist Colin Bley, drummer Todd Howellwith percussionist Kalyan Pathak added on three numbers. Ensemble passages are smooth and harmonious, solos as keen and burnished as one could envision. Everything, in fact, is clear-cut and seamlessperhaps a bit too much so, even though the outcome offers no cause for complaint.
There is ample variety, with a modernized blues, a jazz waltz, a New Orleans groover, a tango and post-bop swinger rubbing shoulders, and it should be noted that every one of them is efficiently delivered. On the other hand, none is designed to elicit more than respectful applause, not a standing ovation. Even though Partyka and Fleming are able soloists, as is Vaitsas on acoustic or electric piano, and Bley, Howell and Pathak offer stalwart support, the session leans more toward finesse than intensity.
In sum, Another Time, Another Place leaves scant room for criticsm. Neither does it present much reason for curtain calls. That is, however, only one bystander's opinion; others may find more substance to appreciate, as the quintet is clearly astute and the music agreeable. The same fire that has failed to arouse some senses may burst forth to inflame others. As noted, it's a matter of personal taste, which varies as widely as one's appetite for broccoli or ice cream.
Track Listing
Go Down Gamblin’; The Guy in the Corner; Belle of the Ball; Another Time, Another Place; In Just Spring; Mr. Jones, I Presume; Theme for the Red Fence Girls.
Personnel
Ken Partyka
saxophoneTom Vaitsas
keyboardsPat Fleming
guitarCurt Bley
bassTodd Howell
drumsKalyan Pathak
drumsAlbum information
Title: Another Time, Another Place | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Self Produced
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