Hall's
eleven strikingly melodic original compositions can build off of spirited
rhythms ("Electrick," "Red State, Blue State," "Word By Word," "Gataxi")
or paint effectively moody landscapes ("Arctic,"
"Returning"). Binding everything together is the singable quality of
Hall's writing. "I thought in terms of tight pop song-like
structures" he says, "melodies that were stimulating yet accessible
and memorable." Full blooded yet succinct improvisations from Hanson and
Gove, along with concise and noteworthy contributions from the others, enrich
the performances. The darker, low-toned quality of the unique trombone-bassoon
front line is cushioned by an active and supportive rhythm section bolstered by
the inspired inclusion of Vado's atmospheric vibraphone. Although Hall cites
such significant influences as jazz icons Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter and Chick
Corea, as well as classical masters including Ravel, Debussy and Copland, his
own music has thoroughly assimilated its sources and found its own voice. The
result is thoroughly contemporary jazz that owes its identity to no other
composer or ensemble.
A respected
drummer and educator, who has taught at Berklee College of Music, and worked
with Cirque Du Soleil, Lee Konitz, Art Lande and Geoffrey Keezer, Hall brings
the full range of his broad experience to his sextet. "It's hard to define
Ratatet's music," Hall claims, "I purposely avoid limiting it to one
genre. I also want to explore the full range of what the band's instrumentation
can offer. Some songs call for funky electric bass, others for bowing on the
acoustic bass. Some songs need organ, some need a muted trombone and a vocal.
It's great having this sonic versatility."
Of special
interest is bassoonist Paul Hanson's occasional employment of startling sonic
effects on his electrified instrument as in "Gataxi," where his
unaccompanied introduction and vigorous exchanges with trombonist Gove reveal a
boldly altered bassoon tone. Hanson emerges as an integral key to the band's
unique approach. "Paul is a Bay Area fixture." Hall asserts,
"Anyone who has heard him knows he's one of a kind." Paul and the
other members of Ratatet have performed with such celebrated artists as Bela
Fleck and the Flecktones, Lee Konitz, Ralph Alessi, Dennis Chambers, Cuong Vu,
and Pete Escovedo.
A visual
artist as well as a musician-composer, Hall was inspired by celebrated works
from a host of iconic painters. Song titles including "Basquiat (inspired
by Jean Michel Basquiat)" "What Cy's Eyes See (inspired Cy
Twombly)" and "The Marriage of Arnolfini" confirm the links
between his passions. For the musicians in Ratatet, Arctic is as personally
revealing as an artist's brushstroke. As Hall states, "the truth of who
you are is on display."
Ridgeway
Records is dedicated to the recording and perpetuation of jazz and related
styles of music. The label is committed to providing artists a platform to
promote improvisation, artistic growth and audience development. The label is a
part of Ridgeway Arts, Inc. - a new non-profit serving the Bay-Area jazz scene
led by renowned jazz bassist, composer, educator, and community activist Jeff Denson. The organization is built upon a series of
initiatives designed to enhance and fortify the Bay Area scene, and to make a
strong contribution to the national landscape of jazz and the arts in general.
Ridgeway Arts will present concerts, organize educational and community
outreach activities, and more.
No comments:
Post a Comment