Jean Martin-Kevin Turcotte-Justin Haynes: Get Together Weather

Dr. Seuss’ “Get Together Weather” is given the once over here by this superb Trio of cutting edge Canadian jazz musicians. Drummer Jean Martin along with Kevin Turcotte (Trumpet) and Justin Haynes (Guitars) also tackle compositions by Rodgers & Hammerstein and Kurt Weill besides well-developed original comps from Martin and Haynes.

The first three tracks from the musical “Oklahoma”: Interlude, Poor Jud Is Dead and The Surrey With the Fringe On Top are atmospheric, melodic and inventively executed. Martin’s aesthetic and fervid drumming implies a larger overall group sound while Turcotte and Haynes work wonders together whether performing unison lines or crafting segments of moody dreamscapes. Martin’s “Wild Horse” is somewhat ethereal and melodic due to the thoughtful lyrical inventions and dialogue between Turcotte and Haynes while Martin’s intelligent drum work is imminently free-flowing yet structured and deterministic. Martin works the kit as if he were composing drum parts for a symphony orchestra. “Get Together Weather-Dance Scene” features Trumpeter Kevin Turcotte’s majestic choruses and jubilant pronouncements, which instill a sense of animation and vivid colloquy complimenting Martin and Haynes probing ensemble work. Turcotte is one of Canada’s premier Trumpet virtuosos. His fleet, adept phrasing and soloing earn high marks here. “Get Together Weather” evolves into an explosive improv session with Martin and Haynes providing the heavy undercurrent. Martin’s riveting drum work and Haynes “fuzz” Guitar turn up the heat; however, most of the sequences seem well-rehearsed and organized despite the intermittent soloing and collective stretching out among the band members. These are solid performances and in many instances are intricate and meticulously constructed. The Weill/Brecht tune “Barbara Song” from Threepenney Opera” is a rolling and tumbling in your face affair. Haynes turns in some engaging high octane Guitar and mixes it up rather convincingly with Turcotte. On Haynes’ “Scenes From the Bullet Train”, the proceedings commence with a World Beat motif while Turcotte shows his proficient chops with blazing and astute horn work. Haynes and Turcotte engage in some difficult unison patterns as the tune eventually settles into a serene otherworldly dreamlike state.

“Get Together Weather” is a fine effort. Turcotte, Martin and Haynes show their goods in admirable fashion as Canada continues to play a vital role within the global Jazz community. “Get Together Weather” is an adventurous outing that clearly accentuates the essence and character of the not so “old hat”. Recommended.