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Recent Recordings by Area Jazz ArtistsIt has been quite a while since the last SEMJA review article and the inbox has piled up with CDs by local musicians. I will try to catch up in a series of articles; here is the first batch in somewhat random order.
With one exception, all the compositions are by the leader and they reflect an interest in various types of popular music from this continent as well as Africa. The rhythms shift, the melodies contain riffs and hooks, leading to imaginative idiomatic solos that stress the jazz roots of the eclectic tunes and the program contains an impressive variety of expressive means. Most important, this is not simply a collection of tunes but is a well thought out recital. The rhythmic drive builds up tension throughout the first five cuts and then is topped off by something completely different, a laid back feature for Elliot's tenor sax: the old spiritual, "Were You There When they Crucified my Lord?"
The ten tunes on this CD include two originals by the leader; the rest are well known modern jazz standards with interesting harmonic structures. On this outing he favors the big warm sound of his tenor saxophone and the flute, while the fresh samba arrangement of "Alone Together" is the only feature for his sweet-voiced soprano saxophone. The other members of the band contribute mightily to the excitement and success of this CD.
For this recording Siers has gone back to the trio sides, in the company of clarinetist Dave Bennett and pianist Tad Weed on Krupa: The Pete Siers Trio Featuring Dave Bennett and Tad Weed (PKO 061). The fifteen tunes on this CD reproduce the original arrangements of the various incarnations of the original trio with excitement and passion. There are differences with the originals, however. The substitution of Bennett's clarinet for Ventura's tenor saxophone makes a difference because the younger man channels Goodman in all details and uses a different way of phrasing, rhythmic concept and harmonic language than Ventura did. Tad Weed is, quite frankly, a far better pianist than anyone used by Krupa. Here, he often references Teddy Wilson, who was the pianist with Goodman's trio. As a result if often sounds like the Benny Goodman trio playing Krupa trio arrangements. Having said that, this is not a dry tribute, but music played with love and conviction by three exceptional musicians.
Rivera wrote eight of the eleven tunes and arranged all of them. The music is basically hard hitting modernized hard bop with a driving vitality that plays off the formidable rhythm section. Rivera is the main soloist and he provides succinct and exciting statements with a wonderful deep sound and melodic logic. He has created his own synthesis of Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson, Johnny Griffin, Clifford Jordan, ‘Trane and others and only on his tribute to Griffin, appropriately entitled "Little Giant," does he really channel anyone else. He provides his cohorts plenty of solo room; Gisbert, Dease and Hayama take full advantage of this and offer impressive contributions. Everyone sounds good with the mighty Whitaker behind them and his outing on "The Whit," Rivera's tribute reminds once again what a formidable, big toned bass player he is.
This time they offer a collection of tunes from a variety of sources, from the repertoire of the Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Buddy Johnson, Les Baxter and Sun Ra orchestras, as well as from the books of various swingers such as Louis Jordan, or Detroit's Paul Williams. Few of these tunes are well known, and as noted in the excellent liner notes by Jim Gallert, the Planet D folks enhance rather than redo the older musical material. As usual, most of the arrangements are by baritone/alto saxophonist Joshua James, with additions by Walt Szymanski, Pat Prouty and Mike Irwin Johnson and they are designed to take advantage of the three saxophone, three brass and rhythm composition of the band. The rhythm and blues pieces such as "Paradise Valley Walk" guarantee that the basics are covered, and indeed the feeling of the blues permeates much of the collection. Although this is primarily a group effort, there are fine solos throughout by all concerned. Trombonist John Paxton sings two numbers, and a cameo vocal by Thornetta Davis really does justice to Big Maybelle's "Candy." Another Singer, Dan Devins, really rocks on the shuffle blues "Well All Right," which also features a guest spot by George Friend on guitar. All of this rides on the rock steady drumming of RJ Spangler, who co-leads the Nonet with trumpeter James O'Donnell. All in all this is a fine presentation of some fascinating, rarely heard music played with guts, precision and feeling that is equally good for listening as for dancing. |
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