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Ryan Keberle: Heavy Dreaming
ByDouble Quartet (Alternate Side Records), Keberle's debut as a leader, introduced the ensemble in 2007. It might be assumed, with this chosen wording, that clear lines are drawn between the two quartet factions, but this couldn't be further from the truth. While Binney's brass-infused project had a great separation between the two distinct groupings and Douglas' band is one band with a large contingent of brass players, Keberle's work falls somewhere in the middle. The writing is seamless and the brass is used in a natural and organic fashion. Sometimes it serves in a big band-like capacity, moving along together and emphasizing hits in different places, but it also serves other purposes. "One Thought At A Time" gives the brass players a chance to connect their melodic lines and finish each others' thoughts, as jubilant strains of sound pass from one instrument to the next. In contrast, a hymn-like reverie comes forth from the horns as they introduce a gorgeous, gospel and blues-tinged take on Duke Ellington's "I Like The Sunrise."
Bassist Matt Brewer is a scene stealer here, whether providing rock solid support, performing quirky unison lines with pianist Frank Kimbrough, or soloing. Trumpeter Mike Rodriguez puts emphasis on his rich, lower register work and proves to be one of the more potent soloists throughout the album. Marcus Rojas is the common denominator between Douglas' band and this group. His tuba often holds down the fort in a more traditional manner, but he also has a chance to shine on the veritable low-end solo feast that is "The Slope Of A Blues."
The music of The Beatles played an important part on Keberle's debut, with covers of "Norwegian Wood" and "Blackbird." Here, he finishes the record off with a well-crafted arrangement of "Mother Nature's Son." Keberle's broad compositional ideals, along with his superb ability to balance the big and the small within his band, helps place Heavy Dreaming in a class of its own.
Track Listing
If You Want; One Thought At A Time; Heavy Dreaming, Part 1; Heavy Dreaming, Part 2; I Like The Sunrise; The Slope Of A Blues; Early Mourning; Our Love Is Here To Stay; Coolant; Mother Nature's Son.
Personnel
Ryan Keberle
tromboneRyan Keberle: trombone; Frank Kimbrough: piano; Matt Brewer: bass; Eric Doob: drums; Mike Rodriguez: trumpet; Marshall Gilkes: trombone; John Clark: french horn; Marcus Rojas: tuba.
Album information
Title: Heavy Dreaming | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Alternate Side Records
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