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Scott Colley: Initial Wisdom

By Jim Santella
July 1, 2002
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At 38, Scott Colley is poised to find new directions in jazz. Hip-hop rhythms and New Orleans shuffles coexist side by side on this quartet album of originals and extras. Graceful melodic lines and seamless phrasing tie the pieces together. Each of the four artists stretches out with a loose framework that links up automatically with that of the others. Drummer Bill Stewart drives the quartet with force, while guitarist Adam Rogers fills in an encompassing harmonic aura. Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane and bassist Colley fuse their melodic lines gracefully. Some overdubbing allows the session to grow even larger. Harmony and melody wander through changing landscapes that originate amid jazz's traditional roots and drive beyond the norm to more contemporary moods. One selection, "Trip," places the quartet in a group improvisation setting, where each artist works independently. Unlike most group meetings, this one piece finds each doing his own thing. The result is a combination of mood music for four. Elsewhere, ensemble and solo work reveals a deep respect for melody and conservative interplay.

Track Listing

The Susser Scorpios Far Rockaway Alpha Trip Trouble In Paradise Barracudas Eccentric Circles Rubber Clock

Personnel

Scott Colley

bass

Ravi Coltrane: tenor & soprano sax - Adam Rogers: guitars - Scott Colley: acoustic bass - Bill Stewart: drums

Album information

Title: Initial Wisdom | Year Released: 2002 | Record Label: Palmetto Records

About Scott Colley

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