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Scott Reeves: The Alchemist
ByReeves takes the lead on the alto valve trombone and alto flugelhorn in collaboration with electric guitarist Russ Spiegel who shares the melody lines with pianist Mike Holober. The trombonist rounds out the rhythm section with veteran New York musicians, bassist Howard Britz and drummer Andy Watson, forming an excellent group of players who produce a vibrant sound. While the repertoire is short (only six tracks), the music is quite engaging.
Delivering a funky jazz element at times, the one standard, five original project highlights changes from the Gil Evans tribute piece "Shapeshifter," to the title-track and Miles Davis tribute to the soft bossa-like "Without A Trace." The session ends with two of the best tunes on the disc: the ballad- like "Remembrances" and the funky-styled version of "All or Nothing at All," perhaps something that Frank Sinatra may not have approved of but still, one jazzy take on an old classic.
The music is both intricate and accessible evidenced by the many moments of audience applause conveying their obvious approval. There are also plenty of solos from members of the band in particular, the leader, guitarist Spiegel and pianist Holober.
The Alchemist is quite a pleasant surprise from veteran Scott Reeves, bringing to mind, what other treasures must he have in his archives? What other pandemic productions may be percolating out there? Time will tell.
Track Listing
New Bamboo; Shapeshifter; Without a Trace; The Alchemist; Remembrances; All or Nothing at All.
Personnel
Album information
Title: The Alchemist | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Origin Records
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Scott Reeves
Album Review
Edward Blanco
Braithwaite & Katz Communications
The Alchemist
Origin Records
Russ Spiegel
Mike Holober
Howard Britz
Andy Watson
Gil Evans
Miles Davis
frank sinatra