Neil Swainson Sextet: Here for a While

Neil Swainson's Here For A While is a tutorial in modern jazz composition and ensemble synergy. Swainson, a bassist of profound depth and melodic sensibility, has gathered a formidable sextet for this project, including Brad Turner on trumpet and flugelhorn, Kelly Jefferson on tenor andsoprano saxophones, Steve Davis on trombone, Renee Rosnes on piano and Quincy Davis on drums. Together, they bring to life nine compositions that are as intricate as they are engaging, each a testament to Swainson's skill as both a composer and an arranger.

As the album unfolds, it is clear that this is not just another collection of original compositions. Swainson has crafted a suite of pieces that are rich both in harmonic complexity and emotional resonance, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary sensibilities. The opener is "At the End of the Day," with a perky waltz tempo. The number is fuelled by technical fluency, strategic melodic thinking and a cleanly dusted tone. Solos from Turner, Jefferson and Rosnes have textural and stylistic breadth. Swainson's bass provides the grounding force with supportive and subtly assertive lines.

Swainson's compositions have a deep sense of swing and groove, as confirmed by "In the Path of Angels," a slow and gentle bossa nova and "Bend," an up-tempo samba. Although these pieces have different keys, tempos and harmonic architecture, Swainson sets up his compositions so that each band member is given a chance to shine, such as Steve Davis, Jefferson and Rosnes on the former number and Rosnes, particularly in the latter, as she manages the segue from Jefferson's solo into her own rich and expressive voice.

"Madrona" is a deft change of pace, with the trio of Rosnes, Swainson and Quincy Davis covering the up-tempo waltz. Rosnes is a pianist of considerable renown who, with her signature touch, develops the number with a perfect blend of technical prowess and emotional depth. Swainson has a reputation as a bassist of deep, warm tone and fluidity, which he demonstrates with considerable ease. The title track, "Here for a While," is a fetching ballad on which Swainson's bass is ever present. Whether on his solo turn filled with strongly articulated lines or in support of the development of the number, showing subtle strength and sensitivity. Turner, Jefferson and Rosnes are exemplars of evocative, harmonically layered solos.

Rob McConnell was a trombonist, arranger and leader of a big band, the Boss Brass, that set a new standard in jazz writing. Swainson's composition "One for Rob" is a contrafact based on the chord changes in "I Got Rhythm." This brisk-tempo arrangement has some of McConnell's unison harmonization by the horns before its "catch as catch can." The soloists all join the party enthusiastically—a heartfelt tip of the cap to McConnell.