Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Ted Nash: In The Loop

244

Ted Nash: In The Loop

By

Sign in to view read count
Ted Nash: In The Loop
For In The Loop, tenor saxophonist Ted Nash reconvened his mainstream quintet, last heard on Still Evolved (Palmetto, 2003). Trafficking in fresh interpretations of straight-ahead jazz, Nash's quintet may not be as conceptually unorthodox as his global jazz ensemble, Odeon, but his freewheeling aesthetic flourishes regardless of the setting.

Nash is no stranger to traditional forms of jazz, having spent his formative years playing with Lionel Hampton, Gerry Mulligan and Louie Bellson, among others. Currently a member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra under the leadership of Wynton Marsalis (who is featured on Still Evolved), his view of the jazz canon is more expansive than Marsalis', finding affinity with his more liberal peers, such as bassist Ben Allison.

Blending brisk post bop, the lyrical impressionism of mid-1960s Wayne Shorter, and even the second-line enthusiasm of old New Orleans, Nash knits together a harmonious blend of styles. Joined by fellow LCJO trumpeter Marcus Printup, he is also supported by one of the finest rhythm sections contemporary jazz has to offer.

Drummer Matt Wilson is impish and irrepressibly creative. Bassist Ben Allison and pianist Frank Kimbrough are capable of effervescent harmonies and in-the-pocket grooves, but they're also partial to stretching boundaries with the ever-mercurial Wilson. Avoiding rote accompaniment, these three players spin a fluctuating web of rhythmic and harmonic invention, breathing vitality into Nash's traditional structures.

Marcus Printup, a rich melodist, plays close to the vest, but with spirited energy and brassy enthusiasm. Nash is a compelling leader: his robust tenor runs are invigorating, his writing stimulating.

Mixing up post bop excursions with more esoteric fare, the title track is a spry tune recalling the quirkiness of Raymond Scott and John Kirby. "Gritty Ditty" blends propulsive, Jazz Messengers-inspired hard bop with New Orleans swagger. The album's epic centerpiece, "Durning's Dance," expands in a suite-like fashion, modulating from a languorous round of unaccompanied solos to rich group interplay with sections of punchy bebop, sly blues and dulcet balladry, demonstrating the quintet's wide-ranging talents.

In The Loop is the sort of resourceful, straight-ahead, subtle and nuance-laden album that rewards repeated listens. Whether exploring boleros and tangos in his Odeon ensemble or bouncy hard bop with this quintet, Nash makes accessible, creative music.

Track Listing

Kensington High; Gritty Ditty; In the Loop; Palace; Zaba's Dream; The Cubist; Durning's Dance; Cafe Dupa; Push.

Personnel

Ted Nash
saxophone

Ted Nash: tenor saxophone; Marcus Printup: trumpet; Frank Kimbrough: piano; Ben Allison: bass; Matt Wilson: drums.

Album information

Title: In The Loop | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Palmetto Records

Comments

Tags

Concerts

Mar 22 Fri
Mar 23 Sat

For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.