Bobby Wiens: Focus

Even though a recording is a finished product, it still captures the feeling and intensity of the session. When players have a good working rapport, everything translates through the music. Clearly, the musicians assembled by drummer Bobby Wiens for his second album, Focus, share a strong rapport, and that chemistry is evident throughout the recording.

Originally from Calgary, Wiens grew up surrounded by music. He developed an interest in drums during middle school, which ultimately led to years of advanced musical education. After completing a Master of Music degree at the University of Northern Colorado, he remained on staff as an adjunct professor. He also teaches at Front Range Community College in the Denver/Boulder metro area, as well as private lessons and clinics. Along with teaching, Wiens has spent years performing, touring, and recording. 

On Focus, Wiens is joined by Gabriel Mervine on trumpet and flugelhorn, pianist and keyboardist Tom Amend, along with Seth Lewis on bass. These are all seasoned players who pay close attention to one another in the studio. The music is built on attentive listening and interaction, allowing the group to move naturally between structured compositions and more open-ended improvisational passages.

The album kicks off with "Go Back to the Beginning," an aptly titled number that evokes early New Orleans jazz. The drum introduction and trumpet responses establish the conversational spirit that runs throughout the album. The relaxed groove also provides a welcoming entry point for listeners.  Although the remainder of the album is not focused on early jazz, Wiens makes it clear that jazz history remains central to his own musical vocabulary.

In addition to its New Orleans influences, Focus acknowledges other musical inspirations. "Hat Trick," for example, was inspired by guitarist Jim Hall. Although the guitar is not featured here, Hall's knack for subtle melodic sensibility shows through, resulting in a tight groove with an uplifting presence. Lewis delivers a melodic bass foundation, giving the other players room to stretch out. But the influences here are not all from jazz musicians. "Devoted Heart," for example, was inspired by a comment producer Daniel Lanois made during an interview. This piece adds an emotional dimension without ever drifting into sentimentality.

One of the album's standout moments comes with "Sun Dance," a tribute to the late drummer Al Foster. This funky Latin-tinged groove highlights Wiens' ability to anchor the music while keeping it in constant motion. The interplay among the musicians is a genuine pleasure. Another fascinating piece is "Hermann," a tribute to the Swiss-German author Hermann Hesse. The music here is slightly more freeform, but it seems to parallel the themes of searching found in many of Hesse's works. This song is a good example of collective improvisation, with excellent performances by Mervine and Amend.

Perhaps the album's most heartfelt moment comes with "For AJ," a piece written for Wiens' daughter. Mervine's soulful flugelhorn is supported here by Amend's impressive, blues-tinged organ work. The piece unfolds with an understated warmth that makes it one of the album's most affecting moments.

"Minor Dilemma" blends modal jazz with contemporary fusion influences. But this is far removed from Mahavishnu Orchestra-style fusion. Instead of jazz-rock pyrotechnics, this is a solid modern-sounding groove. Wiens' drumming is at the forefront in this piece, and his technique is exceptional.

Focus succeeds because it never feels bound by a single stylistic approach. Drawing from New Orleans traditions, modal jazz, Latin rhythms, free improvisation, and modern groove-oriented jazz, Wiens creates a recording that remains cohesive through the strength of the ensemble's interaction. More importantly, the album reveals a composer and bandleader whose greatest strength is his ability to bring diverse musical influences together while allowing each member of the quartet room to contribute to the conversation.