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Joel Frahm: Don't Explain
Jazz needs its tradition, and Frahm and Mehldau hold that part of the formula at center stage. The pianist's exploration of 'Smile' represents what he does best. Massaging the song, reinterpreting the melody a little, and providing creative fuel for his performing partner, he honors jazz's forefathers with a unique interpretation.
Frahm remains equally adept with the soprano and tenor. His performance works best at a slower tempo, when the saxophonist has time to state his ideas fully. Hence, his two takes on ''Round Midnight' outweigh the faster, lighter track arrangements. There's plenty here to like, for both traditional folk and modern mainstream fans.
For audio samples and more information visit palmetto-records.com .
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Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.
Track Listing
Don?t Explain; Get Happy; Oleo; Round Midnight #3; Mother Nature?s Son; East of the Sun; Turnaround; Away from Home; Smile; Round Midnight #1.
Personnel
Joel Frahm
saxophone, tenorJoel Frahm- soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone; Brad Mehldau- piano.
Album information
Title: Don't Explain | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Palmetto Records
About Joel Frahm
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Joel Frahm Concerts
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