Garth Alper: Spider's Web

The Coordinator of Jazz Studies at the University of Louisiana, pianist Dr. Garth Alper presents his fifth album as leader, Spider's Web, offering seven original compositions of straight-ahead material to follow up his well-received Stratus (CD Baby, 2017). A consistently swinging repertoire throughout, the music on this next chapter is as attention-grabbing as that documented on his previous effort.

Reuniting with fellow university colleagues bassist Bob Nash and drummer Chris Munson, Alper adds fellow professor and instructor of saxophone, Lucas Munce and includes Detroit native guitarist Jeff George on four tracks, rounding out his new quintet, producing the same powerhouse sound the pianist is so comfortable with.

It is often said that the best way to begin any session is to open up in swinging fashion which is how the band plays on the opener "Stop-Time Stomp," with opening salvos from Munce and Munson, eventually joined by the bassist and the leader. The following piece "The Glide," at eight-minutes in length featuring guitarist George as well as the saxophonist, is probably the most ambitious composition and just as much of a keeper on this set as the opener with more to follow.

Two of the many highlights here are the somber "Mournful," and the bop-tinged "Bop-Wanna-Be," ranging in tempo from light and mellow to deep-wide upbeat grooves, with Alper shining on the keys in full demonstration of his obvious chops on the instrument.

Other notable tracks here are "Spider's Web," "The News Blues" and the finale "Triplet Tale." Kudos to Alper for designing another enchanting musical statement with Spider's Web. Let's hope this doctor does not keep us waiting too long for another dose of the kind of jazz medicine he delivers here.

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