Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Rathburn-Howard Quintet: Days Before and After

98

Rathburn-Howard Quintet: Days Before and After

By

Sign in to view read count
Rathburn-Howard Quintet: Days Before and After
Days Before and After is a successful collaboration between reed player Andrew Rathbun and drummer Owen Howard. What makes the quintet unique is that in addition to Rathbun and Howard, also appearing are John Hebert on bass, Ben Monder on guitar, and Geoff Young on acoustic, electric, and fretless guitar. So many strings give the songs a wonderful resonance and offer interesting possibilities for musicial adventure. Moreover, Rathbun is an excellent player who moves easily from lyrical and limpid to forceful and buoyant, and Howard's drumming is solid and at the same time unpredictable.

Among the best of the CD's nine songs are "The Whole Enchilada, named for a restaurant near Howard's apartment in Brooklyn and featuring great Latin rhythms, with the quintet taking the music out in the middle. "Nomad is a multilayered song that evokes a Middle Eastern feel; the guitars create interesting fields during the horn solo and the song is full of intriguing soundscapes. "Hiccup is a simple blues with a missing beat, hence the title, and it's a chance for the guitarists to launch into some funky solos.

Rathbun penned five tunes and Howard four, both contributing arrangements. On top of Rathbun and Howard's energy and obvious care, the CD was produced by saxophonist Pat LaBarbera, adding a further layer of excellence. Days Before and After is not only an exciting blend of moods and ideas, but also a successful example of the art of collaboration.

Track Listing

1. Darkness Before Light; 2. Missing the Sea; 3. Forward Motian; 4. Life as Crystals; 5. The Whole Enchilada; 6. There Will Come Soft Rains; 7. Nomad; 8. Hiccup; 9. Hinge.

Personnel

Andrew Rathburn -- reeds; Owen Howard -- drums; John Hebert -- bass; Ben Monder -- electric guitar; Geoff Young -- acoustic, electric, and fretless guitar.

Album information

Title: Days Before and After | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Fresh Sound New Talent

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

Fiesta at Caroga
Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective
Fellowship
David Gibson
Immense Blue
Olie Brice / Rachel Musson / Mark Sanders

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.