Paul Bollenback: Brightness of Being

By DAN MCCLENAGHAN
February 12, 2006
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You have to love it when a first-rate jazz guitarist opens up a set with a barnburner, as Paul Bollenback does on his sixth release as a leader, Brightness of Being. The song is "Together," and he and tenor saxophonist Gary Thomas work some clean-toned heat together, keeping it sharp and tight in front of a flexible rhythm.

Bollenback is best known for his association with organ legend Joey De Francesco, a sixteen-year, fourteen-album musical relationship. The guitarist has also played with Stanley Turrentine, Gary Bartz, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Geoffrey Keezer, James Moody, Paul Bley and many more.

The Ray Charles vehicle "Unchain My Heart" gets a gorgeous reharmonization by Bollenback and features him joined by David "Fathead" Newman on tenor saxophone, who adds a big dose of soul to the sound. Vocalist Chris McNulty sweetens the sound with her honey-toned vocalese on three tunes; she sings the lyrics on Neil Young's "Philadelphia."

Bollenback cites a who's who of guitar legend and jazz influences—Wes Montgomery, John McLaughlin, George Benson; Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, Bill Evans—but he has shaped a distinctive sound of his own, a mix of huge technical prowess, groove, control and daring. The covers delve into an array of styles: Ray Charles ("Unchain My Heart," "You Don't Know Me"); Puccini ("Dark Eyes of Floria Tosca, parts 1-3"); Neil Young (Philadelphia"); and Stevie Wonder ("Don't You Worry "Bout a Thing"). Bollenbeck also adds four of his own compositions to yield a set that holds a straight-through cohesion.

Brightness of Being showcases an immensely talented guitarist, composer and arranger.

Track Listing: Together; Unchain My Heart; Don't You Worry About a Thing; Breathe; You Don't Know Me; 7 a.m. Special; El Desierto; Dark Eyes of Floria Tosca Part 1-3; Philadelphia; Siberian Passages.

Personnel: Paul Bollenback: guitar; David "Fathead" Newman: tenor saxophone; Tim Garland: soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, bass clarinet; Gary Thomas: tenor saxophone; James Genus: bass; Terri-Lyne Carrington: drums; Ari Hoenig: drums; Chris McNulty: vocals.

Title: Brightness of Being | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Elefant Dreams Records

Music & Tickets

About Paul Bollenback

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May25Fri	6:00 pm	Kendra Shank Quartet 55 Bar New York, NY
May25Fri	7:30 pm	Dizzy's Club Coca-cola Presents The Gerald Cannon Septet. Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola New York, NY	$45
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I love jazz because it rewards careful listening. Jazz can be as deep and complicated and deep as classical music, but with a sense of modernity and FUN. It swings! My parents listened to jazz a little bit
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I love jazz because it rewards careful listening. Jazz can be as deep and complicated and deep as classical music, but with a sense of modernity and FUN. It swings! My parents listened to jazz a little bit. Then in high school I got a crush on my best friend's older brother, who was a huge jazz fan. He turned me on to Miles Davis' Bitches Brew (which was also the first album I ever bought) and the rest is history. I've met many musicians. It's a joy to live in NYC where there is such a vital community and lots of interaction between players and audience. The best show I ever attended was... God, there have been so many great ones. My absolute favorite might be the John Lurie tribute concert at the Town Hall. Was it 2013 or 2014? I've been a huge Lounge Lizards fan since the '90s, and many of my favorite local musicians are graduates of that band. It was a joy to see so many of them come out and show their love for John Lurie. Even though he doesn't play sax anymore, he is still a presence. There was so much LOVE in that show. And since the Lounge Lizards don't perform anymore, it was a treat to hear their music live again. My advice to new listeners... JUST KEEP LISTENING. If you're used to repetition and easy hooks of rock or pop music, you might find it challenging at first to float along with the unpredictability of jazz. But the rewards are worth it! You will learn to listen actively, not passively, and as you tune your mind into every note, texture, and harmony, you'll begin to listen to music in a new and different way. At the best live shows, it's almost a meditative experience for me. My mind just trips out on the music. It's pure bliss, even if the music is abrasive or challenging. Also, don't be afraid to LISTEN TO ARTIST YOU'VE NEVER HEARS OF BEFORE. The greats like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, etc. are famous for a reason. Their music stands the test of time. But there are so many young artist pushing the boundaries and creating their individual style. You might not love every show or album you listen to, but you'll discover so much. Jazz is not a museum piece--it's a living, breathing art form with almost infinite possibilities. Finally, if you love the music, PARTICIPATE IN THE ECONOMY. Buy some new CDs instead of streaming everything. Go to live shows and pay the ticket price. Even if it's donation only and you can sneak in for free, remember that most of these artists have years of training and have devoted themselves to an obscure art form out of pure love. Playing music is their job. You get paid for your job, and musicians deserve to get paid too.
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By Jennifer DeMeritt
Member since: 2018