The Schwager/Oliver Quintet: Senza Reza

Canada became the first country beyond the USA to have developed its own vibrant jazz scene. What do major jazz artists like Oscar Peterson, Maynard Ferguson, Gil Evans, Rob McConnell and Diana Krall have in common? They're all Canadians, like the players of The Schwagger/Oliver Quintet presenting their debut on Senza Resa, an Italian phrase meaning "No Surrender," which conveys the approach to the music from five of Canada's most exciting award-winning jazz musicians.

The album represents the producers' desire to showcase the talents and musicianship of an all-star quintet led by guitarist Reg Schwager and saxophonist Ryan Oliver. The group also consist of keyboardist Nick Peck, bassist Rene Worst and drummer Ernesto Cervini—all capturing a special chemistry well demonstrated in their performance of the innovative compositions documented here.

Of the ten dynamic tracks of traditional straight-ahead jazz, five are original compositions from members of the band. The music kicks off with a superb version of the British composer Neil Grant Richardson's "Another Happening," one of the finest pieces of the set, followed by Schwager's own "Rushbrooke" featuring the guitarist, saxophonist and keyboardist on excellent solo moments. Another exceptional track presented here is jazz pianist and former Jazz Messenger Ronnie Matthews' "The Orient."

"Tender Love" describes precisely the warm and tender sounds of Oliver's flute, accompanyied by mellow bass lines and dextrous play by the leader on guitar. "Squagels," from drummer Cervini, is yet another exciting piece of music featuring the drummer and guitarist on tap and later joined by Oliver in a terrific number and keeper of the set. Oliver's own "Blues for Josie Rose" is featured well here, enjoying a studio version of eight minutes and a live version lasting over twelve-minutes.

The defining track may well be "The Cat from Katmandu," a melodic and up-tempo number featuring the group at their best. Sensa Resa is an amazing album by an obviously amazing group of players from Canada, where the jazz vibes are as alive and thoroughly as exciting as anywhere on the planet.