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Mick Rossi: They Have A Word For Everything
ByThe first piece titled, "Camus" is somewhat linear and features a rather complex arrangement led by trumpeter Dave Douglas' sweet-toned phrasing and expressive lines. The music turns playful or innocent including tinges of Tango and Balkan motifs while Laster and Douglas mix it up prodded by Rossi's sensitive leads and rhythmic left-hand right-hand chord progressions. Throughout, Driscoll and Descarfino firm down the sinuous rhythms yet remain loose and flexible as they provide sympathetic support while adhering to these often-captivating arrangements. Rossi frequently synthesizes his themes around rhythmic structures, which is evident on the piece, "Space Junk." Here, Rossi once again challenges the listener with strong writing while displaying a fluid and altogether rangy technique behind the keys. Other highlights are Douglas' triumphant statements on "Haus" which boasts a slightly off-center theme that bespeaks German Beer-Hall fare along with a combination of Spanish style bravado, as Rossi's percussion skills become prominent with his skillful utilization of the glockenspiel adding timbre to the overall scope of this composition. The ensemble work is pristine throughout these weaving tapestries that elicit sparks of lucid imagery and realistic portraitures. A few twists and turns prevail on pieces such as "Don't Call Me Here" as Rossi engages the piano trio format complete with bluesy and semi-cocktail lounge stylizations which are subsequently deconstructed into penetrating free-jazz motifs.
Besides his technical abilities, Rossi displays a worldly approach through these glistening mood evoking pieces which run the gamut from being sublime and pensive to brash, well-orchestrated charts brimming with sharp interplay and meaningful soloing. In a nutshell, They Have A word For Everything is a superb effort and perhaps a late entry into multiple top 10 lists for 1999. Highly Recommended! * * * * *
Personnel
Mick Rossi
pianoMick Rossi; Piano, Glockenspiel: Dave Douglas; Trumpet: Andy Laster; Alto & Baritone Saxophone: Kermit Driscoll; Double Bass: Charles Descarfino; Drums & Percussion.
Knitting Factory Records website: www.knittingfactory.com
Album information
Title: They Have A Word For Everything | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Knitting Factory
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