Pete McCann: You Remind Me Of Someone

Eight of the ten selections here are McCann originals. The first track is a relaxed pseudo-blues with an unusual chordal and harmonic structure that exemplifies McCann’s eclectic approach to jazz. His guitar style is hard to pigeonhole, a blend of many influences from Metheny to Jim Hall but enslaved to none of them. No matter what form of song the band tackles, McCann and his mates exhibit suitable refinement in their interpretations. He likes to have fun with song titles and the inspirations behind them, as evidenced by track #3, a “musical vision of one of (artist Jackson Pollock’s) ‘drip paintings’.” The note placement is regularly spaced, yet definitely off the rhythmic path defined by Hebert and drummer Mike Sarin. Saxophonist Peter Epstein burns steadily on this track and the cheerfully rocking #5, titled after the nickname of McCann’s oldest son. #9 is in the spirit of Ornette Coleman, and is fittingly a jagged feature for Epstein’s alto. #6 is a sort of warped tango inspired by the media circus of the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal. McCann plays cool, crystalline acoustic guitar on the lovely #8, the sole ballad of the collection. The last track is a peaceful homage to the members of America’s military, its melody almost country-flavored.

Bassist Steve Swallow’s Falling Grace is one of the two non-original tunes here. Swallow seems to be finally getting his due as a composer; new renditions of his Eiderdown and Peau Douce pop up frequently, and this pretty theme is itself deserving of more attention. McCann again performs on acoustic guitar, an apt choice for such a fragile, lacy melody. Cole Porter’s I Love You receives perhaps the strangest treatment here. An unusual minor intro in 3/4 time precedes the theme, and Hebert’s bass keeps that feeling alive behind the theme for several more bars.

Pete McCann is an exceedingly perceptive player with the good sense to approach songs in a way that befits their basic character, and the creativity to make something fresh out of those songs at the same time.

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