Travis Sullivan: New Directions
ByFor this ten-song program, Sullivan supplies eight originals that showcase his gleaming tone and melodic sensibilities, while also testifying to his varied musical interests. He paints bright melodies against the contrast of dark bass lines ("Jamia's Dance") and powers through funky, odd-metered workouts with ease ("Hidden Agenda"), but he also shows comfort soloing over rhythmic terrain that shifts from aggressive, driving swing to Latin-leaning grooves ("Tuneology"). While the majority of Sullivan's pieces are grounded by a firm sense of rhythm, "Autumn In N.H" is a notable exception. This piece opens with Mike Eckroth's wistful piano work, but the band eventually arrives in a gauzy musical atmosphere that allows for some interesting interplay and dynamic development.
While Sullivan only tackles two covers, his choices reflect the eclecticism found within his own work. He performs "Spring Is Here"written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hartand fills it with noir-ish notions. The rhythm section provides some appropriately malleable accompaniment and Sullivan caps off the performance with a confident cadenza. A standard of a different sort, a popular '80s pop confection in this case, is reworked to suit Sullivan's own vision. On "Everybody Wants To Rule The World," bassist Marco Panascia's frisky bass work provides direction early on, but Sullivan's soloing eventually becomes the focal point. While drummer Brian Fishler powers the quartet through various styles of music, his solo star turn is saved for the final number. The title track finds Fishler soloing over a funky vamp and dissecting the time like a skilled surgeon with sticks, helping to end this enjoyable album on an energetic note.
Track Listing
Jamia's Dance; Autumn In N.H.; Tuneology; Hidden Agenda; Spring Is Here; Georgie; Everybody Wants To Rule The World; Leap Of Faith; Magic Monday; New Directions.
Personnel
Travis Sullivan: alto saxophone; Mike Eckroth: piano; Marco Panascia: bass; Brian Fishler: drums.
Album information
Title: New Directions | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Posi-Tone Records
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Instrument: Saxophone, alto
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