Andrew Cheshire: Another View

Andrew Cheshire’s quintet captures the essence of straight-ahead jazz as only the best have done these past few decades. His compositions feature the familiar sounds we remember; however, they’re updated by his stellar electric guitar labors. The complete liner notes for Another View and a biographical sketch may be found at http://www.voicenet.com/~joule/abio.html .

The guitarist relies on a vocal-like articulation that appears to have roots in the blues. Gentle slides, fluctuating harmonic sprays, and free-flowing phrases characterize much of his work on this session. Cheshire has finely-honed technical skills on his instrument; yet he shares the bandstand equally with the others. Tenor saxophonist Rich Perry combines a fluid articulation with his softened tone. Like Joe Henderson, he spins a solo gracefully and teams with the trumpeter for synchronized melodies. Trumpeter Kurt Weiss favors a ballad approach that he freely mixes with inspired motion. His crystal-clear tone and precise articulation take second chair to his half-valve expressions, bent notes, and fiery but quiet outbursts. "Earth Dance" is a prime example of Cheshire’s work. On it the ride cymbal, walking bass, and guitar chords set the stage as improvised solos pour forth from the leader and his saxophonist partner. Tenor sax and trumpet pair up on the tune’s head for a clean-sounding statement of the melody, and in-between, the ensemble manages to stir the offering considerably. Highly Recommended.