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Dan Montgomery: Storyteller
ByMontgomery called on several musicians he had met while studying at UM to document his first album, among them: alto saxophonist Sam Priven; tenor saxophonist Neil Carson; pianist Jake Shapiro; and drummer Evan Hyde . Trombonist of note Chad Bernstein, who has become one of South Florida's premier Latin jazz artists, appears on the opening "Type A," while UM professor of jazz guitar, Tim Jago, graces the album on "Home."
As the title of the piece indicates, "Type A" is a hard-driving, fast and turbulent modern jazz burner; much like type A personalities who are competitive, goal-driven and easily aroused, angered or moved, this piece of music uniquely drives that point across though to the second track, "Fast Approaching Midnight," which falls in with much of the same texture. "Sentimental" is a departure from most of the set in that it is brief, more subdued, slow and down-tempo.
In stark contrast, "Laila" beckons as one of the more memorable pieces of the session and the first to offer sparkling solo moments from Montgomery and Hyde. "Home," another fine Montgomery composition, is one of those bright moments where the band plays gently though engagingly. Other exceptional tracks include "Lisboa," "Soft in the Sun," the energetic "Relapse" and humbling finale, "Light."
Montgomery has established a firm foundation from which to launch his emergence as a jazz bassist, writing the beginning chapter of a story that has yet to unfold. Storyteller provides the bassist with an exceptional opportunity to showcase his more than appreciable talents as a composer as well as his skills as a musician, as his tale continues to be revealed.
Track Listing
Type A; Fast Approaching Midnight; Sentimental; Laila; Home; Lisboa; Soft in the Sun; Relapse; Light.
Personnel
Dan Montgomery
bassDan Montgomery: upright bass, electric bass; Sam Priven: alto saxophone; Neil Carson: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone; Jake Shapiro: piano; Evan Hyde: drums; Chad Bernstein: trombone (1); Tim Jago: guitar (5).
Album information
Title: Storyteller | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Self Produced
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