Alan Broadbent reflects in his liner notes on the singular allure of jazz standards. "Standard songs, especially jazz standards by my favorite composers – Tadd Dameron, Billy Strayhorn, Horace Silver, Benny Golson, and others – possess a timeless quality that is instantly memorable and beautifully constructed, both melodically and harmonically." He credits early experiences with Duke Ellington and Dave Brubeck, learned as a teenager, for shaping his musical foundation. When inspiration struck, he modeled his own melodies on these masters—and continues to do so today.
Broadbent's latest album presents recently composed and previously recorded pieces spanning 40 years in a deeply personal sextet format. He explains, "This time I wanted to present them in the classic jazz format of a sextet. Together, the group spans three generations, a testament to the enduring power, seriousness of purpose, and timeless feeling of this music we love."
Disc 1, Side 1 unfolds with eight tracks that evoke both reflection and warmth:
Each piece channels a chapter of Broadbent’s artistic journey: tributes to jazz icons, meditative musings, and lively, upbeat expressions.
The sextet format gives weight and intimacy to each track, allowing younger and older artists to collaborate organically. Broadbent’s choice underscores jazz’s intergenerational dialogue—melding youthful energy with veteran sensibilities. It reaffirms his belief in standards as living traditions, constantly reborn through fresh performance.
By revisiting long-held compositions and presenting them in a classic sextet setting, Broadbent offers a statement: jazz traditions endure not as relics but as active creative forces. His melding of compositional craft and heartfelt inspiration is the very essence of artistic continuity—rooted in respect for the past, yet shining with contemporary resonance.
No comments:
Post a Comment