James Danderfer: If Not Now

The clarinet, which once was commonplace in jazz (think Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Pee Wee Russell, Tony Scott, Buddy DeFranco, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Fountain, Bob Wilber and many others), is all but absent these days save for a handful of adamant diehards such as Paquito D'Rivera, Eddie Daniels, Don Byron and Ken Peplowski. That is one reason why it is always a pleasure to welcome a new voice into the choir, especially one as sharp and talented as Canadian-based clarinetist and composer James Danderfer, who leads a superb septet on If Not Now, his sixth recording and first for Cory Weeds' Cellar Music Group.

Weeds not only produced the album, he is an integral part of the ensemble, blending his robust tenor saxophone on the front line with Danderfer, trombonist Steve Davis and vibraphonist Atley King. To help show his appreciation, Danderfer wrote a song, "Garden of Weeds," for his friend and colleague. It is one of nine original compositions by the leader that comprise the album's entire playlist. Danderfer also wrote engaging songs for his wife ("I Like You"), children ("My Brightest Lights"), parents ("Ponderosa"), pleasurable pursuits ("Nightlife") and the uncertain world in which we live ("Tempest of the Times"). Everything was written in the roughly four months between Weeds' invitation to record and the actual studio date in November 2024 at the famed Van Gelder Studios in New Jersey.

Even though Danderfer is remarkable on clarinet, he actually plays bass clarinet more often (five numbers), and he is consistently impressive when soloing, as are Weeds and Davis, who improvise on four numbers each. King and pianist Miki Yamanaka also have their dazzling moments, while bassist Tyrone Allen II sets the compass on "Oh Brother" and drummer Kush Abadey is out front on "Brightest Lights" and "Nightlife" and sharply focused on every number. Danderfer, the composer, is their trustworthy partner, lending them a generous amount of luminous material on which to work. His running mates repay his kindness by making every number shine.

Kudos to Danderfer for a job well done, and to Weeds for sensing what could be achieved and helping to ensure the best possible outcome.