Tom Knific: Siena

As a rule, I've always found it a pleasure to listen to albums that feature a combo led by a bassist, and this one is no exception. Tom Knific, a Professor of Double-Bass and Director of Jazz Studies at Western Michigan University, here presents a well-rounded look at the jazz ballad. There are no star turns or long solos, despite the presence of many players who are fully capable of providing them.

Pianist Fred Hersch appears on two tracks with Knific and drummer Tim Froncek for a very Bill Evans-ish "If I Should Lose You" and the original "The Baron," dedicated to Knific's father. The Martino/Brighetti ballad "Estate," often confused as a bossa tune, is delivered by vocalist Sunny Wilkinson, Knific, and acoustic master guitarist Gene Bertoncini. I've sat five feet away from Bertonicini's fretboard in clubs and marvelled at his fingerstyle ability. On "You Don't Know What Love Is," the duet of Tom Knific and Wilkinson's vocal is delivered in a smoky cabaret style. Billy Drewes, one of the most frequently called studio sax players, is here heard taking the lead on "Dark Angel," presenting it as a warm Getz ballad. Guitarist John Abercombie is heard on two tracks with Andy LaVerne and Knific, providing an intimate jazz trio of piano, bass, and guitar. Finally, the melancholy "A Portrait of Thad," a Roland Hanna original, closes the album with the haunting melody played by Renata Artman Knific on violin. Hanna is on board supporting the group for this finale.

Tom Knific does get the opportunity for solo work, notably on his ballad duet with Wilkinson and the trio with Abercrombie/LaVerne. His rounded tone reminds me a bit of Scott LaFaro in terms of its intimacy with the other musicians.