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Daniel Smith: Bebop Bassoon
ByDaniel Smith's Bebop Bassoon takes the instrument into uncharted territoryout front, with a piano/bass/drums rhythm section in support, like a Dexter Gordon outing. Smith makes the horn switch on a set of classic bebop tunes from the pens of bop masters Benny Golson, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington (not quite bebop, of course), Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Dexter Gordon.
You could say it's a way to get out of the comfort zone, but bassoonist Daniel Smith apparently isn't a "comfort zone" kind of guy. He has recorded the Complete 37 Vivaldi Concertos, a disc that was selected by the Music Industry Association as Best Concerto Recording of the Year, in addition to pushing his instrument's repertoire into ragtime, jazz and contemporary music.
Bebop Bassoon works surpisingly well, a unusual and idiosyncratic treat for the ears. Smith navigates the bassoon's rich, woody tone through saxophonist Benny Golson's slinky gem "Killer Joe," making the tune sound as if were written for the instrument. He also plays Charlie Parker's "Anthropolgy," Monk's "Blue Monk," Miles Davis' "All Blues," John Coltrane's "Up Against the Wall" and more.
You could give the disc extra credit for the novelty of the approach, but it doesn't need any. This is an excellent jazz outingfamiliar territory traversed in style.
Track Listing
Killer Joe; Anthropology; Blue Monk; Sister Sadie; In A Sentimental Mood; All Blues; Doxy; Up Against the Wall; Birk's Works; Sticky Wicket.
Personnel
Daniel Smith
bassoonDaniel Smith: bassoon; Martin Bejerano: piano; John Sullivan: bass; Ludwig Afonso: drums.
Album information
Title: Bebop Bassoon | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Zah Zah