Trombonist/composer
Steve Turre has forged a distinctive place for himself with a long series of
conceptual albums, often focused upon his innovative use of conch shells; but
on Spiritman, his new album for Smoke Sessions Records, Turre has decided to go
back to basics, centered upon his brilliant trombone playing. "I like to
swing and I like to play the blues. I'm not ashamed to swing and I'm not afraid
to swing. I think it's the foundation of the music and I'm proud of it."
And swing he does -- vibrantly, joyously and vividly on the beat -- in the
like-minded company of four truly outstanding musicians: alto/soprano
saxophonist Bruce Williams, with Xavier Davis, Gerald Cannon and Willie Jones
III on piano, bass and drums. Special guest Chembo Corniel brings his congas
mastery to one track as well. The repertoire is a delightful selection of
standards, jazz classics and five highly compelling new originals by Turre.
With all
but one track featuring his marvelous trombone artistry, Turre clearly
demonstrates why he is considered one of the ultimate masters of the instrument
on today's scene. His powerful, fluid and expressive sound is rooted in the
classic traditions of Lawrence Brown and Vic Dickenson, shaped by the modern
giants like J.J. Johnson and Curtis Fuller, to emerge as a singular force who
is now influencing a new generation of players. Williams is establishing
himself as one of today's most inventive saxophonists and the rhythm section
not only performs with consummate artistry and sensitivity, but also achieves
that elusive quality of unified purpose, providing the engine to powerfully
drive the music home. The ensemble work is splendid throughout and the solos
are stunning, always crafted to perfectly convey the intent of the
compositions.
Three
items from the Great American Songbook provide a breakneck tempo, take-no-prisoners
foray on "With a Song in My Heart;" a jauntily swinging "'S
Wonderful;" and a lushly beautiful, but adventurous take on "It's Too
Late Now." Horace Silver's "Peace" is treated to a Dameron-esque
arrangement that adds another level of radiance to the exquisite ballad; while
"Lover Man,"usually
painted as a ballad, is instead explored in buoyant swing. The Turre originals
provide the blood that runs through the body of this remarkable recording,
including the deeply powerful "Trayvon's Blues" channeling sorrow and
rage into a gospel-ish lament a la Mingus - a sobering and profound piece,
centered by Turre's soulful holler. Soulful is the mode for "Funky
Thing," composed for the Saturday Night Live band in a crisp JBs attitude
on a fractured ostinato vamp. "Bu," an homage to Turre's mentor
Buhaina -- Art Blakey -- is an appropriately driving, modal cooker; and the
angular, sinuous "Nangadef" grooves mightily, stoked by Corniel's
congas.
The
final Turre original, the title piece that closes this extraordinary album, is
a crystal clear window to the soul of Steve Turre. Wrapped around a captivating
version of Miles Davis' "All Blues" in medley form, this is Steve's
only venture here into the use of conch shells that has created another unique space
for him in music in the jazz tradition. Employing his personally developed
technique of blowing the shell over the strings of the piano with the sustain
pedal held down, a haunting, viscerally evocative sound vibrates and resonates,
conveying an aura that is truly Spiritman - and a stunning introduction to the
spirited version of the Miles classic, featuring a luminous shell solo.
The
pursuit of the transcendent has always been at the core of Turre's music.
Whether creating arrangements for giants like Ray Charles, Max Roach and Dexter
Gordon; performing from his early years with Blakey's Jazz Messengers through
his work with with such stellar names as McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Woody Shaw,
Lester Bowie, many legends of Latin music and so many others; or in every enthralling
musical adventure under his own leadership, Steve Turre has always set his
sights intently upon the highest ideals. "Music is about giving and about
searching and so that is the spirit....because without spirit, music is just
notes."
Steve Turre
· Spiritman - Smoke
Sessions Records
Release Date: March 10, 2015
No comments:
Post a Comment