RUSSELL MALONE – TIME FOR THE DANCERS
Jazz guitar isn't normally a mode you'd expect to be linked
with dancers – but this great album from Russell Malone has a very rhythmic
core that makes things pretty darn groovy overall! Drummer Willie Jones III is
part of the group – and we always love his work – and bassist Luke Sellick
really rounds out the sound in a great way too, providing depth even in the
more gentle moments – which also seem to be some of the times when pianist Rick
Germanson is at his most lyrical. Malone is always great, no matter what the
setting – we've always loved his round, warm tones – and this album really
lives up to our faith in his music. Apart from the few mellow cuts, it's the
upbeat numbers that really grab us here – on titles that include "Time For
The Dancers", "Leave It To Lonnie", "Pocket Watch",
and really great takes on "Chico & The Man" and "Little B's
Poem". ~ Dusty Groove
MERIDIAN TRIO - TRIANGULUM
Triangulum – a great title for the wonderful energy of this
group – which swings perfectly between the three sharp points of Nick
Mazzarella on alto, Matt Ulery on bass, and Jeremy Cunningham on drums! These
guys are freewheeling, but always soulful – not just because of Nick's
well-shaped sense of tone – which can be arch-modern, yet with a surprisingly
warm core – but also because the bass of Ulery has this completely rapt
(wrapped?) approach – almost like some deep force watching over the whole
proceedings, which then seems to set Cunningham free on drums. The group
represents an amazing third (or fourth?) wave in the contemporary avant scene
in Chicago – the kind of joyous expression that continues to make us proud to
live in a city that can create music this wonderful. Titles include
"Ringdown", "Reminiscing", "Witch Hazel",
"Rhododendron", "Strange", and "Inflection
Point". ~ Dusty Groove
ROB MAZUREK – ROME
An incredible solo record from Rob Mazurek – a wonderful
change from some of his larger group and collaborative projects – even though
we love those a heck of a lot too! This set's a great reminder of the core
improvisational genius that Rob's always had, but which sometimes is
overshadowed by the group activity on his other records. Here, Mazurek blows
cornet alone, and also plays both standard and prepared piano – and colors
things with just a dash of his great electronics – often used in more sparing and
subtle ways than some of his group efforts. A really beautiful set from a
musician who continues to reward us over the years – with titles that include
"Twombly At New Church", "Gazing Through Walls", "King
Of Rome", and "Sweet Life In Disrepair". ~ Dusty Groove
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