Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Scott Lee: Leaving
Scott Lee: Leaving
ByThis type of concept only bears fruit in the hands of people who've spent time working these ideas out together and Lee's band mates herepianist Gary Versace, reed man Billy Drewes and drummer Jeff Hirshfieldare simpatico, to say the least. While this highbrow concept might sound like an over-intellectualized approach to music, these performances have a heart that says otherwise. Although freer sections of music come into play on the album, melodic sensibilities still remain, usually via Drewes' delightful lines. He's soothing on his tenor during "Taxed," and moves from sprite-like staccato soprano statements at the outset of "Two Way," to snake-charmer phrases and seagull swoops, before the tune is done. Additional Drewes highlights include a spiritual-turned-sunny soprano turn on a bass-and-drums duoappropriately called "Old Friend Talking"and his warm, inviting clarinet work on the absorbing title track.
Lee uses everything from plinking harmonics to deep-toned arco work during "Old Friends Talking," though his bow work at other points on the album ("Musing") momentarily mimics a cello, before returning to the land of the low. "Drummersome" features some stellar bass solo work over a swinging beat, later converting to a different and darker groove religion when Versace makes his presence felt. Aural disarray ensues, and Drewes brings everything back to a solid statethough it doesn't remain there, and the music continues to decay and rebuild in original fashion. <> Versace delivers one of his most daring solos on "What's Up," with looping, rippling runs giving way to more angular expressions, while he throws out some fractured phrases during the closing "Shamrock." Leaving might be a departure from certain formal structural comforts, but it also marks an arrival with some fresh musical ideas.
Track Listing
Taxed; Two Ways; Musing; JGB; Old Friends Talking; Choice; The Connection; Leaving; Drummersome; What's Up; Shamrock.
Personnel
Scott Lee
bassScott Lee: bass; Billy Drewes: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet; Gary Versace: piano; Jeff Hirshfield: drums.
Album information
Title: Leaving | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: SteepleChase Records
Comments
Tags
SCOTT LEE
CD/LP/Track Review
Dan Bilawsky
Two for the Show Media
Steeplechase Records
United States
Gary Versace
Jeff Hirshfield
Leaving