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George Colligan: Ultimatum
by AAJ Staff
While there may be some doubt about the vitality of today’s scene versus the storied scenes of the past, one point of consideration may actually live up: in this writer's estimation, the tradition of fine pianist-composer leaders in Jazz is alive and well in jazz and is in fact one of the strongest areas currently. Think Jason Moran, David Berkman, Geri Allen, James Carney, Vijay Iyer, Marc Cary and Jason Lindner. This is only a segment of what is quite ...
Continue ReadingDrew Gress: Spin and Drift
by Glenn Astarita
Here, bassist Drew Gress mans the helm to what is essentially, alto saxophonist Tim Berne's “Paraphrase" trio - plus pianist/composer Uri Caine. Spin and Drift signifies a symbiotic union of like-minded musicians, as Gress executes his booming, robust bass lines on buoyant pieces such as the opener, “Disappearing Act 1" and “Jet Precipice," where the quartet effortlessly engages themes constructed upon vacillating rhythms and intricately executed undercurrents. However, the musicians' often cheery, upbeat demeanor and gleaming approach to these altogether ...
Continue ReadingDrew Gress: Spin & Drift
by Jim Santella
Representing jazz's modern mainstream, Drew Gress' quartet album swings, while offering – at the same time – unexpected changes of direction. Saxophones, piano, bass and drums interact with a spirit that implies reserves of energy. That motion is sitting there, rocking, and waiting for a chance to explode. Fortunately, this veteran quartet knows how to harness the energy. Uri Caine provides exciting dances up and down the piano's keyboard, with measured phrases that format his creative ideas. Tim Berne offers ...
Continue ReadingDrew Gress: Spin & Drift
by Jim Santella
Representing jazz's modern mainstream, Drew Gress' quartet album swings, while offering--at the same time--unexpected changes of direction. Saxophones, piano, bass and drums interact with a spirit that implies reserves of energy. That motion is sitting there, rocking, and waiting for a chance to explode. Fortunately, this veteran quartet knows how to harness the energy. Uri Caine provides exciting dances up and down the piano's keyboard, with measured phrases that format his creative ideas. Tim Berne offers a thin, edgy tone ...
Continue ReadingDrew Gress' Jagged Sky: Heyday
by Glenn Astarita
Bassist Drew Gress and his band Jagged Sky are on target with a dazzling display of technical virtuosity and mind bending self-penned compositions from Gress. There is plenty to sink your teeth into here. Gress has been a major part of the so called New York City Downtown Scene and has sewn some roots with altoist extroadinaire Tim Berne on several outings. Gress and the fine drummer Kenny Wollesen set the pulse for some sparkling creativity by saxophonist David Binney ...
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