Jazz Recommendations

Oct 21 2018

Recommended: Joshua Trinidad – “In November”

 

Despite the volleys thrown back and forth by the trio of trumpeter Joshua Trinidad, guitarist Jacob Young and drummer Stale Liavik Solberg there’s a heavy presence to In November that belies its airborne flight patterns.  And it’s not like things move at a slow pace.  Yes, there’s a steady patience to some tracks, like the beautiful “Bell (Lullaby),” when Young breaks out the acoustic guitar and slowly develops the melody as if pondering each step along the way.  That same weight of consideration just amps up the impression of a heavy presence whenever the tempo kicks it up a notch.  It’s a neat effect, and it’s why music that might otherwise be cumbersome has a light step, and, at times, does take to the air and soar.

Your album personnel: Joshua Trinidad (trumpet), Jacob Young (guitar) and Stale Liavik Solberg (drums).

Released on RareNoise Records.

Listen to more of the album at the artist’s Bandcamp page.

Music from Denver, Colorado.

Available at:  Bandcamp | Amazon

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Oct 20 2018

Recommended: Daniel Coelho Sexteto – “Morada”

 

There’s some Brazilian influence to Morada, reflecting the roots of the musicians, but the music tethers itself less to a particular geography and more to a specific, modern approach.  It begins old-school.  The Daniel Coelho Sexteto begin each piece with a simple, well-crafted melodic statement… the kind of thing that could be a full and complete pronouncement or the kind of melodic phrase that is simply the start of the conversation.  And that’s where the modern school of jazz makes its presence felt, because Coelho opts for the latter approach.  The bassist’s sexteto takes these melodic phrases for a ride.

By doubling up with two saxophonists, two electric guitarists and drums, Coelho chooses to explore the nuances of those melodies rather than see how intensely they can shine.  The result of this method is that pockets of tranquility are forged by music that moves at a patient trot, and time is left for contemplation even when the temperature spikes upward.

No less important to the success of the recording is how Coelho is always mindful of circling back to that original melodic statement.  Sometimes it’s a period reminder throughout the duration of a tune and sometimes the return home doesn’t occur until the piece is wrapping up, but however it ultimately shakes out, it’s a satisfying way to end things.

Your album personnel:  Daniel Coelho (bass), Caetano Ribeiro, André Bordinhon (electric guitars), Dhieego Andrade (drums) and Raphael Ferreira, Vinicius Corilow (saxophones).

This album is Self-Produced.

Listen to more of the album on the artist’s Bandcamp page.

Music from Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The very cool album art is by Juliana Coelho.  It appears this piece is called Bomju.  Check out her Instagram for more.

Available at:  Bandcamp | Amazon

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Oct 19 2018

Recommended: Frank Irwin Quintet – “Better/Broken”

 

This album is at its best when melodies are exhaled slowly and allowed to drift like a plume of smoke.  When the Frank Irwin Quintet roll out a tune in this fashion, the music emotes an appealing moodiness.  And it’s the kind of thing that sticks.  Even if the electricity on the piece gets upped a notch or three, there remains a contemplative presence that behaves as the context for any volatility that follows.

The contributions of trombonist James Powers go a long way to cementing this impression, especially during those times when his instrument acts as the bonding harmonic element between tenor sax and guitar.  Those moments when the trio coalesce into a unified sound are some of the best moments Better/Broken has to offer.

There’s an odd bit of spoken word piece jammed into the middle of the recording.  In and of itself, there’s nothing wrong with the tune.  It’d be interesting to see what comes of Irwin creating an album of just that kind of material.  But it’s effect is jarring in terms of album cohesion.  It’s about the only criticism I have of this solid recording.  There are pieces that I find myself borderline addicted to.  Go check it out.

Your album personnel:  Frank Irwin (bass), Barra Brown (drums), Ian Christensen (tenor sax), Corey Heppner (guitar) and James Powers (trombone).

The album is Self-Produced.

Listen to more of the album on the artist’s Bandcamp page.

Music from Portland, Oregon.

Available at:  Bandcamp | Amazon

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Oct 18 2018

Recommended: Welf Dorr Unit – “Blood”

 

This is powerful stuff.  It’s powerful and throws a punch like it means it.  But there’s a flow to this music, a lumbering, yet effortless grace to accompany the brutality, and that is the essence of its captivation.  Welf Dorr Unit crafts its own version of avant-rock, of protest music that is no less useful to those who just want to stomp or groove for fun as it is for those who want a sonic clarion call to revolt.  There’s a little funk to fuel the fire.  There’s a bit of bop to propel the riot.  Dorr’s alto sax-bass clarinet combo and Dave Ross’s guitar switch roles between match and flame.  The bass and drums of Dmitry Ishenko and Joe Hertenstein coax the fire to greater heights and heat.  There’s nothing about this album that isn’t cool.  Blood exudes a presence that could level mountains.

Your album personnel:  Welf Dorr (alto sax, bass clarinet), Dave Ross (guitar), Dmitry Ishenko (bass) and Joe Hertenstein (drums).

Released on Chant Records.

Listen to more of the album on the artist’s Bandcamp page.

Music from Brooklyn, NY.

Available at:  Bandcamp | Amazon

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Oct 17 2018

Recommended: Alban Darche & L’OrphiCube – “The Atomic Flonflons”

 

There’s no grey area as to which era the music of Alban Darche belongs to.  The saxophonist’s sound is singularly modern.  But staring down at the spot Darche has his feet planted in present-day territory doesn’t pose an obstacle for looking back upon the lineage of music that brought him to that place.  Time and again, Darche coaxes the music of the past into his music of today.  And that’s certainly the case of his latest release with his L’OrphiCube ensemble.

The rustic folk music influence of The Atomic Flonflons speaks to music with roots running deep, as does its hot jazz excitability, tango sway and ragtime cheer.  Vocals and accordion provide a framework for the wind instruments to run wild, balancing free improvisation with the simple need of song structure for a melody to blossom to life.

A particularly welcome development is the contribution of Chloé Cailleton, whose vocals were also a huge factor in Collectif SPATULE earning the #5 slot on this site’s Best of 2017 list.

With all of his varied projects resulting in so many excellent recordings, I’ve been wanting to post an Alban Darche overview column for some time.  Let his newest tide you over until that whole thing shakes out.

Your album personnel:  Alban Darche (alto, soprano & baritone saxes), Chloé Cailleton (vocals), Nathalie Darche (piano), Didier Ithursarry (accordion), Stéphane Payen (alto sax), Olivier Laisney (trumpet), Christophe Lavergne (drums) and Sébastien Boisseau (double bass).

Released on Yolk Records.

Listen to more of the album on the artist’s Bandcamp page.

Music from Saint-Nazaire, France.

Available at:  Bandcamp | Amazon

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