New Music Releases: Jocelyn Gould, Gerald Cleaver, Charles Rumback /Jim Baker/John Tate

Jocelyn Gould - Elegant Traveler

Maybe the first album we've ever seen from guitarist Jocelyn Gould – a hell of a player, and one who fits right in with the strong quality of work we've come to expect from the Posi-Tone label! Jocelyn's got this round, firm tone throughout – balanced with the boldness of pianist Addison Frei – whose work here is equally great, and kind of fills things up around the sides while Gould comes straight down the middle – driven on nicely by the bass of George DeLancey and drums of Quincy Davis – all in modes that really feel a lot different than most other guitar quartet albums, even though these guys aren't trying to do any thing too fancy or gimmicky. The group also features guest horn work along the way – the tenor of Brandon Wright on two tracks, and the trombone of Michael Dease and trumpet of Anthony Stanco on three others – on titles that include the Gould originals "A Fleeting Moment", "Change Of Plans", "Center Of The Universe", "Kindling", "The Game Changer", and "Argyle". ~ Dusty Groove

Gerald Cleaver - Signs 

An all-electronic set from Gerald Cleaver, but one that's got the same sort of rhythmic pulse as his better-known work on the drums – a record that, in fact, almost feels as if Cleaver is triggering various electronic elements with live work on the drums – or, more likely, using live electronics to recreate some of his energy on the acoustic instrument! The tunes have a very dark vibe – sheets of noise and sound pounding out together in waves of sonic intensity. Titles include "Tomasz", "Blown", "Amidst Curses", "Jackie's Smiles", and the three-part "Signs". ~ Dusty Groove

Charles Rumback /Jim Baker/John Tate - June Holiday 

A sublime trio set from drummer Charles Rumback – a record that has us really appreciating the special touch the leader can bring to a date, as this album may also be one of the best that we've heard from pianist Jim Baker in years! Baker has this great way of sounding soulful and lyrical, yet also moving towards the freer side of his spectrum too – working with the subtle drums of Rumback and the careful bass of John Tate, all with energy that almost takes us back to the groundbreaking Three Waves album by Steve Kuhn – one of our favorite piano dates of all time, which is a hell of a compliment to Baker! The album has an open feel, but one that's also very careful too – not the spaciousness of an ECM record, and instead more intense, but in a very understated way. Brilliant throughout – with titles that include "Here & Now", "Hard Goodbye", "Foglights", "Burning Daylight", "Huh", and "Portrait Of Lorena".  ~ Dusty Groove