Jazz Articles about Steve Messick

About Steve Messick

Album Review

Notwithstanding a name that sounds like it could be contagious, the Endemic Ensemble is actually a commendable Seattle-based post-bop quintet whose second recording, Tangled, is packed to the brim with luminous melodies, splendid charts and engaging solos by all hands. While nominally a co-op group, the ensemble was founded in 2010 by bassist Steve Messick who shares composing / arranging credits with pianist David Franklin and baritone saxophonist Matso Limtiaco. The other members are saxophonist Travis Ranney and drummer Christian ...

Album Review

Steve Messick: Endemic Ensemble: Tangled

Read "Endemic Ensemble: Tangled" reviewed by Paul Rauch

by Paul Rauch
December 3, 2016

Veteran composer/bassist Steve Messick has brought back the eclectic group of musicians he formed in 2010, Endemic Ensemble, for a new album entitled Tangled. The session presents nine new compositions, three each from Messick, pianist David Franklin, and saxophonist Matso Limtiaco. The ensemble, rounded out by drummer Christian Krehbiel, and noted saxophonist Travis Ranney, have created an album of solid compositions and arrangements, skillfully crafted in the big band tradition, but presented more with a hard bop edge.