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Greg Duncan & The Individuation Quintet: Unification
ByWith an airtight rhythm section comprised of pianist Benjamin Lewis, bassist Joel Kelsey and drummer Xavier Breaker, Duncan's got the perfect resource to execute crafty compositions that frequently involve changing time signatures and complex themes. Case in point is a track like "Constellated," which begins with an easygoing 3/4 groove that builds in intensity by moving into a 5/4 section that catalyzes a spirit of excitement and propulsive energy. And the rhythm section is always moving: listen to the fine comping on the horn solos during "Anima," where Lewis's feisty chords, Kelsey's lockdown bass lines and Breaker's creative interjections on the kit offer trustworthy support for Duncan and tenor saxophonist Doug Rosenberg. They're also rhythmically flexible enough to accommodate Duncan's Latin-inflected ideas, something one can hear a bit of on pieces like "Out on a Limb" or "Shadow Side," and a lot of on "Thinking Light," a winsome samba track.
Both horn players possess strong voices, with Duncan and Rosenberg especially compelling when soloing in tandem, which they do quite skillfully on "Anima," where they echo and respond to each other's lines engagingly. Duncan's solo on "Path of Light and Darkness" is a thoughtful display of precision combined with lyrical resonance, bringing Kenny Wheeler to mind in the process. And on the album's closer, Branford Marsalis's "Say Hey," the whole band uses that blues-based composition for an opportunity to turn it loose for a while.
Despite the seriousness of the record's concept (and Duncan, to his credit, is donating half of all proceeds from the release to Mental Health America), there's no denying these guys' ability to produce some first-rate jazz that is quite enjoyable, and very nicely played as well.
Track Listing
Intro. To The Subconscious; Out On A Limb; Constellated; Anima; Red’s Song; Shadow Side; Path Of Light And Darkness; Thinking Light; Say Hey.
Personnel
Greg Duncan: trumpet, flugelhorn; Doug Rosenberg: tenor saxophone; Ben Lewis: piano; Xavier Breaker: drums; Joel Kelsey: bass.
Album information
Title: Unification | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Self Produced
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