Write about jazz for a semi-living and one thing that’s guaranteed is that a lot of CDs are going to cross your desk. In fact, more discs than you can listen to and/or write about in a timely manner.
In an effort, then, to relieve the backlog and inform readers as to some notable new albums, I periodically run a look at recent, often under-the-radar releases. Here’s the latest batch.
Album: “Solo”
Artist: Vijay Iyer
Label: ACT
Lowdown: Iyer garnered some of the best reviews of 2009 for his previous effort, the trio album “Historicity.” Given that acclaim, the pianist should be applauded for deciding to follow up with a solo project rather than something more immediately in line with what jazz fans and critics might expect. I am certainly willing to say that, although I must temper my praise by adding that “Solo,” while clearly a well thought out and aesthetically challenging project, does not grab me the way its predecessor did. Perhaps that’s to be expected – a solo piano album is, by its very nature, not likely to possess the dynamics and colors of a trio collection. All that aside, there’s no denying Iyer’s artistry on these 11 tracks nor his ability to bring an at times dauntingly fresh perspective to the material, which ranges from originals to works by Duke Ellington (“Black & Tan Fantasy”), Jimmy Van Heusen (“Darn That Dream”) and Thelonious Monk (“Epistrophy”). The album opens with Iyer bringing his singular touch to the old Michael Jackson hit “Human Nature.”
Album: “Elaine’s Song”
Artist: Chris Colangelo
Label: C-Note Records
Lowdown: I was not familiar with this Southern California-based bassist before this collection crossed my path but he has my attention now. His first album in 10 years, “Elaine’s Song” is easily among my favorites of the year, a smart and soulful collection marked by great melodies, intricate harmonies, deft interaction among crack players and an intoxicating all-around soulfulness. Originals dominate – individual tracks are dedicated to Kenny Garrett (“Like Kenny”) and Jeff “Tain” Watts (“Watts Important”) – and the covers are tasteful (“Falling Grace” by Steve Swallow, “Straight Street” by John Coltrane). With Bob Sheppard and Benn Clatworthy sharing the sax duties, “Elaine’s Song” is a great slice of straight-ahead jazz, circa 2010.
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