Jun 16 2014
Wayne Escoffery Quintet – “Live at Firehouse 12”
There’s an intriguing blend of influences on this live recording from tenor man Wayne Escoffery. An electro-acoustic presentation, Escoffery’s dazzling articulation and fiery delivery on tenor sax is juxtaposed with the keyboard electronics of Rachel Z. And while the electronics on Live at Firehouse 12 do occasionally pool deeply in sections, Escoffery’s presence on sax transcends them for something quite cinematic and edgy.
Your album personnel: Wayne Escoffery (tenor sax), Rachel Z (keyboards), Orrin Evans (piano), Rashaan Carter (bass), and Jason Brown (drums).
Opening track “ZWE1” harkens back to the odd jazz-new age pairings of the 80s & 90s, presented as an updated version of the Archie Shepp and Jasper Van’t Hof duo collaborations. Rachel Z’s laser beam show on synths is all kinds of trip-happy, an ambiance directly contradicted by Escoffery’s deep lyricism, resulting in a song that is effusive and introspective both.
“Gulf of Aqaba” cuts to the heart of what makes this album special. Escoffery’s solo gradually builds up to a focused windstorm, a thrilling intensity enhanced that much more by the buffeting waves of electronic fusion. The contrasting sounds of post-bop’s fiery edge and modern fusion’s shimmering waves fit together so splendidly, one feeding off the other, that it inspires the question of why this isn’t done more often. The answer to that question is immediately provided by the breakdown of Escoffery’s solo and the transition to an (initially) brooding piano solo that go through a similar rise and crest… this kind of thing ain’t easy to pull off. But they do.
The synths and keyboards of Rachel Z and the piano of Orrin Evans come from two different worlds, would, initially, seem to be at odds, but the way their cross-purposes mesh into a unified front… this is the kind of brilliant turn of events that mark this album’s talent and its execution.
This particular album’s sound doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Escoffery’s previous recording, the 2012 release The Only Son of One, was moving toward the electro-acoustic outburst that signifies Escoffery’s newest. Adam Holzman did some fusion-y things on keyboards and Orrin Evans worked a Rhodes for that session, which lent the recording an even fuzzier atmosphere. On his newest, Escoffery’s quintet performs the title track from the 2012 release. That the two renditions sound remarkably similar serves as further evidence that Escoffery is following a logical creative arc.
The album concludes with “Blue Monsoon,” which starts out with a thoughtful Escoffery solo, then breaks through to the other side with some joyful straight-ahead post-bop. Anchored by the bass & drums duo of Carter and Brown, who, for most of this track, bring a refreshing bit of predictability with which to better measure the album’s more surprising expressions.
An album with a very distinct personality.
Released on Sunnyside Records.
Jazz from NYC.
– 
May 30 2018
The Round-up: What it looks like when the search is almost over
Here is some very good new music.
Wayne Escoffery – Vortex (Sunnyside Records)
I adore how Wayne Escoffery articulates on tenor saxophone at high speeds. There’s something so magnetic about how clear and crisp he sounds in the midst of volatility, like picking out the way light catches individual raindrops within the storm. His latest is certainly a case in point. It’s unsurprising that he collaborates with those who gravitate to that form of expression. Pianist David Kikoski has some standout moments picking up a solo where Escoffery’s left off. Bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer Ralph Peterson, Jr. are just as often the catalyst for this album’s fireworks, especially on those tracks that feature percussionist Jacquelene Acevedo. There are some seriously thrilling moments when Peterson and Acevedo enter a rhythmic confluence and just go to town. Music from NYC.
Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp – Amazon
Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra – Bohemiana Vol. 1 (Self-Produced)
There’s something special when a big band can scoop you up with a melody and use it to carry you all through a piece, even when the melody becomes a distant memory. That’s what happens on Bohemiana: The compositions and arrangements of Dan Roberts Volume 1. This straight-ahead session from Brad Linde‘s 17-piece orchestra comes with the big sound and harmonies that generate a warmth strong enough to beat back an Alaskan winter, but it all hinges on those inviting melodic statements. After that, the swinging tempos spur things along, and it’s an even draw between the soloists and ensemble play as to which will win over your attention. Music from Washington, DC.
Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp – Amazon
Kaladin Quartet – Apropos of Nothing (Self-Produced)
There’s an appeal to how Kaladin Quartet makes a bold statement with each recitation of melody. There’s plenty of life to them just by way of their construction, but the quartet of pianist Henry Walsh, bassist David Storelli, drummer Marc Celestini and saxophonist Christopher Greene really breathe life into them, accenting the melodies with just the right amount of emphasis for a dramatic splash and avoiding the risk of it sounding contrived and over-the-top. The music is situated firmly in modern territory, with tempos just as inclined to rock as they might swing. Overall, an album with a magnetic personality. Worth nothing it’s retailing at Name Your Price, so it’s an opportunity to explore new music at a cost that suits your ability. Music from North Carolina.
Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp
Tleikak – Tleikak (Self-Produced)
There’s something about the catchy melodies and breezy tempos of the duo Tleikak that I find a little addictive and plenty fun. Comprised of Japhlet Bire Attias on the Chapman Stick and synths, and Manuel Caffarena on drums and percussion, the duo finds the sweet spot where contemporary jazz and indie pop come together. The result is music that is easy to embrace while retaining qualities that keep the head engaged sufficiently to keep from just drifting off. Music from Mexico City, Mexico.
Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp – Amazon
Francis Hon – Before Dawn (Self-Produced)
I do really try to stay away from the approach of comparing one artist to another… especially a modern artist with one from the classic jazz age. But this lovely set from pianist Francis Hon had me thinking wistfully about how long it had been since I’d given a Duke Pearson recording a spin. Hon has a way of gently coaxing a melody to resonate with impressive strength. Much of the album echoes the hard bop era, but there’s some modern influence that makes its presence felt, too. Hell of a nice debut. Hon is joined by bassist Jeong Hwan Park and drummer Billy Drummond. Music from Brooklyn, NY.
Artist site | Listen | Buy: Amazon
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By davesumner • Jazz Recommendations - 2018 • 0 • Tags: Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, Francis Hon, Kaladin Quartet, Mexico City (Mexico), New York City, Sunnyside Records, The Round-Up, Tleikak, Washington DC, Wayne Escoffery