Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Brandon Wright: Journeyman

28

Brandon Wright: Journeyman

By

Sign in to view read count
Track review of "Better Man"

Brandon Wright: Journeyman
Posi-Tone Records is known for showcasing nascent talent, often aligned with proven jazz warriors. With his sophomore release for the label, young tenor saxophonist Brandon Wright garners sympathetic and dynamic support from his ensemble, comprising time-honored vets, such as pianist David Kikoski and bassist Boris Kozlov. Drummer Donald Edwards transmits a holistic rhythmic stance with his acute penchant for toggling between soft and accenting accompaniment or when kicking matters into tenth gear. Possessing a big, blustery sound, Wright executes a manifold rendition of pop-rock vocalist Eddie Vedder's (Pearl Jam) "Better Man."

Wright exceeds any expectations of providing a literal jazz cover of a pop tune. Most important is that he transcends the norm via a hybrid, Latin, jazz waltz and swing composite, and works the piece through various ebbs and flows. Hs spirited attack suggests a deeply personal interpretation, touched with edgy overtones.

Wright's commanding musical presence boasts a sound that is seemingly cloaked in iron, yet tempers the proceedings with soft tonalities atop Kikoski's deft comping and lyrically resplendent solo during the bridge. At times, the saxophonist skirts the outside schema and soars with feverish aplomb towards the finale amid the pianist's lush phrasings. Wright indubitably circumvents the norm on this curiously interesting and refreshing perspective on a vestige of pop culture.

Track Listing

Shapeshifter; Better Man; Walk Of Shame; Illusions Of Light; Big Bully; Choices; Search For Truth; Wonderwall; The Nearness Of You; He'll Make Me Happy.

Personnel

Brandon Wright
saxophone

Brandon Wright: tenor saxophone; David Kikoski: piano; Boris Kozlov: bass; Donald Edwards: drums.

Album information

Title: Journeyman | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Posi-Tone Records

Comments

Tags

Concerts

Apr 3 Wed
Apr 8 Mon
Apr 17 Wed
Apr 22 Mon
May 1 Wed
May 15 Wed
May 22 Wed
May 29 Wed

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
Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

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