Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Jamie Stewardson: Jhaptal

121

Jamie Stewardson: Jhaptal

By

Sign in to view read count
Jamie Stewardson: Jhaptal
Guitarist Jamie Stewardson's new album, whose title refers to a ten-beat rhythmic cycle frequently used in Indian music, brings together a talented ensemble to explore nine original compositions. With Stewardson are tenor saxophonist Tony Malaby, vibraphonist Alexei Tsiganov, bassist John Hebert and drummer George Schuller.

Stewardson studied under John Abercrombie and Mick Goodrick at the Banff Jazz Workshop and the New England Prep School. His initial experience dealt with supporting pop and R&B acts in a cruise ship setting; he also worked with George Russell, Mat Maneri and Jimmy Guiffre. I have to admit becoming a bit uneasy upon reading the liner notes, where a then-fifteen Stewardson proclaims his love for John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra and Chick Corea's pioneering fusion group Return to Forever. However, in listening to Stewardson's performances, I cannot help but be surprised to find no reference to those groups' style—unless, of course, he is also referring to McLaughlin's current playing. His guitar work shows clear articulation in a mainstream style, though his playing on the latter half of the album does lean more towards a more blurred articulation and faster pace. In addition, some of the compositions, like "Rest Area" and "Olive Oil," have a pronounced beat that could be incorporated into a jazz/rock setting.

Tony Malaby, who is currently boasting a buzz on the downtown NYC scene as a key free jazz player, is heard here to even better advantage (for mainstream purposes). Given a shortened solo time (about one minute), Malaby constructs a series of intelligent and muscular statements that are among the highlights of this album. Vibraphonist Alexei Tsiganov, who provides the melody lines (along with Malaby) and comping for the "missing" piano, is another definite asset. Tsiganov also gigs regularly with Norman Headman's Tropique, a Latin jazz combo based out of NYC which I've seen on several occasions. The presence of the vibes always adds to that presentation (think of Cal Tjader on his Fantasy recordings with Mongo Santamaria). Tsiganov's playing on Jhaptal is vital, providing a smart, often four-mallet presence.

Track Listing

T Can Shuffle; Bubbles; Jhaptal; Combinatoriality; Rest Area; Olive Oil; Cruel Traps; Dig Muse; For Dale and Roberta.

Personnel

Tony Malaby: tenor saxophone; Alexei Tsiganov: vibraphone; Jamie Stewardson: guitar; John Hebert: bass; George Schuller: drums.

Album information

Title: Jhaptal | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Fresh Sound New Talent

Comments

Tags


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

Fiesta at Caroga
Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective
Fellowship
David Gibson
Immense Blue
Olie Brice / Rachel Musson / Mark Sanders

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

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