Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Rick Peckham: Left End

164

Rick Peckham: Left End

By

Sign in to view read count
Rick Peckham: Left End
The opening twangy guitar riff off the title track of guitarist Rick Peckham’s Left End suggests an edge usually associated with rock music, a feeling solidified by the propulsive groove of drummer Jim Black and bassist Tony Scherr (both with plenty of rock in their backgrounds) to push the leader’s statement further. And that’s just the first 30 seconds.

Peckham’s debut as a leader draws on early classic rock guitar influences for sound and attitude and infuses them with improvisational daring and sophisticated harmony. The resultant blend, in this capable trio’s hands, reminds listeners that “fusion” doesn’t have to be a pejorative word. This is exemplified on “353-1001,” when the group locks into the rollicking odd-time opening. After a guitar solo over the halting bass line and skittering drums, the tune devolves into a more spacious exploration of quiet dynamics and sonic textures, until Black rebuilds the quirky groove, returning the group to the head.

The mid-tempo feel of tunes like “Mr. Medium” and “You Know What That Means” feature Peckham’s more cleanly phrased and slick guitar runs. Open-formed pieces, including “Hawthorn” and “Soporific,” highlight the trio’s ability to coax an array of sound from their instruments and patience for subtle nuance. These qualities were evident at the group’s CD release show at Tonic last month, which allowed for extended improvisations. This was especially apparent in the middle of “Hammer Damage,” with Peckham meandering amid Scherr’s percussive bowing and Black’s assortment of toy bells and steel bowls. Also highlighted was how seamlessly Peckham changes his guitar sound—“Gibbons” went from a growling riff and aggressive rhythm to a mellower, moody section and back again without dropping a note or a beat.

Left End is a new chapter in the tradition of the “power trio.” Peckham’s concise composing serves an array of sonic textures and unexpected twists, with a healthy dose of attitude and wit.

Visit Rick Peckham on the web.

Track Listing

Left End; 353-1001; Mr. Medium; Shakey; Free 2; Gibbons; Soporific; You Know What That Means; Hammer Damage; Hawthorn; Real Time; Free 1; Evidence

Personnel

Album information

Title: Left End | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Self Produced

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

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

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