Craig Buhler: Capistrano Sessions
Welcome to the West Coast, and welcome to some buoyant cool jazz on Capistrano Sessions. Multiple reedist Craig Buhler (clarinet, alto and tenor saxophones) takes us on a "trip along the Pacific Coast" on this recording. This quintet outing fits the mold of fellow West Coaster Art Pepper's sound, though Buhler and his mates have perhaps a more upbeat, outgoing and slightly less intense approach.
This disc of all original material opens with a zingy, swinging "Lookear," where Buhler blows alto; and, as on all three of the axes he wields here, his sound is distinctive: warm and open, with a hint of blur around its edges. On "Capistrano," Buhler breaks out the clarinet, and trumpeter/flugelhornist Brian Atkinson goes mallet man, playing vibes to give the tune a gleaming bounce. "October," one of the more introspective moments of the set, features Buhler playing a soulful tenor sax with a deep, rich tone.
"Molly Ann" sounds as if it could have been titled "Maria Anna." It's got a fine Latin vibeBuhler scorches the air waves on saxophone, and Brian Atkinson blows a loose, relaxed trumpet solo.
Buhler switches horns and Bran Atkinson comes in on vibes here and there. As a result, the vibrant mainstram sounds on Capistrano Sessionsleaning toward the West Coaststay crisp and gregarious. Craig Buhler and company wear their jazz joy on their sleeves.
This disc of all original material opens with a zingy, swinging "Lookear," where Buhler blows alto; and, as on all three of the axes he wields here, his sound is distinctive: warm and open, with a hint of blur around its edges. On "Capistrano," Buhler breaks out the clarinet, and trumpeter/flugelhornist Brian Atkinson goes mallet man, playing vibes to give the tune a gleaming bounce. "October," one of the more introspective moments of the set, features Buhler playing a soulful tenor sax with a deep, rich tone.
"Molly Ann" sounds as if it could have been titled "Maria Anna." It's got a fine Latin vibeBuhler scorches the air waves on saxophone, and Brian Atkinson blows a loose, relaxed trumpet solo.
Buhler switches horns and Bran Atkinson comes in on vibes here and there. As a result, the vibrant mainstram sounds on Capistrano Sessionsleaning toward the West Coaststay crisp and gregarious. Craig Buhler and company wear their jazz joy on their sleeves.
Track Listing
Lookear; Capistrano; Rivers; October; Paris Buffet; Himalayan; Migration; Molly Ann; Quiet Passion; Madrid Session; Harbor Cafe Blues.
Personnel
Craig Buhler: clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax; Brian Atkinson: trumpet, flugelhorn, vibes; Dave Witham: piano; Joel Hamilton: bass; Paul Kreibich: drums, percussion.
Album information
Title: Capistrano Sessions | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Discernment Music