This is my first foray into Swedish jazz! Wow!! What a discovery! These guys are really hot. They maintain a fabulous energy level throughout the entire CD and without a doubt can play. Kronkvist’s alto has somewhat of a dry tone but that’s okay since he isn’t even beginning to attempt a “lush” sound. He just drives and drives some more, from beginning to end. Definitely a thumbs up!
Monthly Archives: May 2013
Vincent Herring; All Too Real, High Note
This CD was recorded in 2002 and released in 2003 but I wasn’t aware of it until I found it at a CD shop. It is the same band as “Mr. Wizard” reviewed below except for Wonsey on piano who was replaced by Danny Grissett on the newer CD. Herring is lively, melodious and ultimately very listenable. This is a band I would definitely follow, should they record together again.
Geoffrey Keezer; Wildcrafted; Live at the Dakota, MaxJazz
Yet another of the young lions of the 80s who readily demonstrates that he has become a seasoned veteran. What’s more, his sound remains fresh and truly inspired. This live trio recording shows that he is equally comfortable and able in the realms of standards, R&B flavored rhythms and the harmonically complex sound of contemporary jazz. 5 of the 9 tracks are Keezer originals that highlight his compositional gifts. This trio produces a big and highly diversified sound. All around, a very pleasant listen!
Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring; The Battle; Live at Smoke, High Note Records
As the title suggests, this is an all out, two horn blowing session featuring two young sax players. Eric Alexander, on the tenor is the more conservative of the two but lets it all out anyway. Herring, on the alto, has always spent more time on the edge but never feels out of sync with Alexander or the rhythm section at all. In fact the whole unit sounds very pulled together and the results are lots of energy, lots of notes, and lots of smiles. This isn’t particularly deep or challenging music but is lots of fun.
Robert Glasper; Canvas, Blue Note
Robert Glasper is one of several young jazz artists who are putting forth what appears to be a significant and distinct sound. It’s hard to clearly define it or put a finger on it but I hear something in this music that I also hear in that of Marcus Strickland and a few others. Harmonically it’s pretty complex but not abstract. Rhythmically it’s varied and fluid but coherent. These musicians aren’t afraid to incorporate electronic instruments but they never seem to forget their rootedness in the historical continuum of small ensemble acoustic jazz either. If you haven’t figured out yet, I like it!
Herlin Riley; Cream of The Crescent, Criss Cross Jazz
Long time LCJO drummer calls it all in and has assembled a top notch group. Eric Lewis and Reginald Veal complete the rhythm section and Wycliffe Gordon, Wynton Marsalis and Victor Goines bring their horns into the hot mix. This is the kind of jazz you can listen to over and over again without ever tiring of it. Fast, slow, intense, laid back, tight, loose; it’s all here! Criss Cross proves once again that it is one of the most consistently successful contemporary jazz labels. This one is definitely worth your money.
Vincent Gardner Quintet; Elbow Room, Steeple Chase
Trombone leaders are not very common but Gardner shows that he is more than capable of the task. He pairs up with LCJO coworker Walter Blanding and a tight rhythm section for some memorable music. This combination of original compositions and standards turns out to be almost more of a showcase for Blanding than the more conservative and mellow mannered Gardner. The tenor just plain sizzles!
Anthony Wonsey; The Thang, Sharp Nine Records
I just picked this one up and have only listened once. So here’s my first impressions. Wonsey has slowed things down a bit from the furious tempo and energy levels of his previous outings. The result has a depth and richness to it that is new for Wonsey. Eric Alexander’s tenor is a welcome addition to Wonsey’s group as well.
Julius Tolentino; Just the Beginning, Sharp Nine Records
This is Telentino’s first CD but he has obviously been at his trade for some time. The music is straight ahead and consistently engaging. I’ll be looking for more of his stuff. Actually, the more I listen to this one the more I like it. Great stuff!
Harry Connick Jr.; Occasion, Marsalis Music
There will probably be some degree of historical significance attributed to this recording. Connick and Branford Marsalis are the only two musicians. Piano and sax duets from beginning to end. No room to hide here! And with these two players, no need either.
Jim's Jazz Notes 