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Tom Wetmore: The Desired Effect
ByThe strength of the recording doesn't rest on the shoulders of obligatory jazz standards but in Wetmore's own compositional merits (a finalist for the ASCAP Young Composers award) and his ensemble's synergy. Contemporary concepts are realized via charts that are vigorous and funky enough to hold a sweet groove in "Good and Plenty," where simultaneous yet contrasting guitar riffs (àla Kurt Rosenwinkel) syncopate with a frosty vamp that allows the musicians to travel.
While the absence of acoustic piano provides memories of Herbie Hancock's 1970s electric keyboarding, it's not all about the groove, as witnessed in the mellifluous "A Blessing," where alto saxophonist Jaleel Shaw provides his usual dramatic flair. Wetmore's playing is particularly impressive here, with empathetic accompaniment/soloing, and he continues to show prowess in "Falling" and "The Rub," where elements of rock and jazz converge.
There's nothing overtly earthshaking, but The Desired Effect does make an impact. As the title might suggest, it succeeds in providing music that is both enjoyable and identifiable, and from a fresh voice full of potential.
Track Listing
Red Lights; Wild Card; Good and Plenty; A Blessing; The Desired Effect; With Woven Wings; Falling; The Rub; More Matter.
Personnel
Tom Wetmore
pianoTom Wetmore: electric piano; Jaleel Shaw: alto saxophone (1, 2, 4); Eric Nelveloff: alto sax (3, 5-9), tenor saxophone (4); Justin Sabaj: guitar; Brad Williams: guitar; Michael League: bass; Garrett Brown: drums.
Album information
Title: The Desired Effect | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Crosstown Records
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