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Gypsy Schaeffer: Portamental
It is quite understandable that the group's members welcome the absence of a piano, because that allows them greater freedom to explore free jazz as well as mainstream musical interests, and there is virtually something for everyone here. The bracing "Under Construction" and "Ponus Ridge" are good examples of their brand of hard bop, while "Mummer's Day" suggests a New Orleans Marching Band gait. Both "Time Management" and the title tune (with a fair amount of screeching towards the end) display the group's penchant for the avant-garde, while "01" and "Ugly Hand" lean towards edgy neo-bop. Those interested in Gypsy Schaeffer's take of a Monk-like theme should go directly to "Schemin'."
Most of the solo space is given to saxophonist Andy Voelker and trombonist Joel Yennior. Voelker seems quite comfortable in a mainstream setting, but he also shows his affinity for outside playing; Yennior has a rich and attractive sound that calls for a standard or jazz standard ballad. How about throwing one in on the next album for old time's sake?
Track Listing
Under Construction; Mummer's Day; Faces In The Sand; Time Management; Sleep; Ponus Ridge; 01; Schemin'; Ugly Hand; Portamental.
Personnel
Andy Voelker: saxophones; Joel Yennior: trombone; Jef Charland: bass; Chris Punis: drums.
Album information
Title: Portamental | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Self Produced
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