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Paul Jones: Short History
ByShort History opens with the flowing tranquility of "Women," but the gentle lapping of the sonic waves turns into something more heady, as simple pleasures lead to more complex ideas in Bukowski-esque fashion. That section of music segues into an up-tempo swing feel with bop-based allusions and tussling voices coming forth during Victor Lewis' "Hey, It's Me You're Talking To," but it's those initial musical thoughts of "Women" that remain firmly planted in the mind. A bit later, there's an appropriately exhausting and repetitive drive behind "On The Road," as pianist Sullivan Fortner and drummer Jimmy Macbride lay down a persistent straight eighth groove in seven, but clarity of thought comes forward when guitarist Matt Davis parts the musical seas and clears out the stifling air. It's Jones capturing that moment when the tedium of the road leads to deeper thought and understanding.
As the album continues, Fortner fronts a contemplative salute to The Inner Game Of Tennis (Random House, 1974), Richard Rogers' "I Could Write A Book" gets a facelift, and Jones enters Ayn Rand territory with the sly "Fountainhead." It's that last number, built as a piano-less trio piece, that proves to be Jones' standout performance on the album. He skulks, swoops, struts, soars, and sings his way to victory there.
Short History manages to do what all strong debut releases should: it captures the musicality, passion and promise of a talented artist at the dawn of his career.
Track Listing
Women/Hey, It's Me You're Talking To; Let's Go; On The Road; Short History; The Inner Game; I Could Write A Book; Fountainhead; At The Lighthouse.
Personnel
Paul Raymond Jones
saxophonePaul Jones: tenor saxophone; Johannes Felscher: bass; Sullivan Fortner: piano; Matt Davis: guitar; Jimmy Macbride: drums; Alex LoRe: alto saxophone.
Album information
Title: Short History | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Blujazz Productions
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About Paul Raymond Jones
Instrument: Saxophone
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