Part 5 of this series of new jazz is sort of like a cliffhanger- there’s always more to this never-ending story. So long as musicians come to New York to create and bond with other musicians, there will be new music. There is a Rutgers professor, a Julliard graduate, and a Grammy winner in the group. All used local studios to record their latest work. Big companies may be fading, but the band plays on…
Ralph Bowen-Due Reverence (Posi-tone Records)
Recorded at Systems Two, Brooklyn, NY.
Saxophonist/Rutgers Jazz Studies Associate Professor Bowen composed a smart album of complex originality, pushing the band (Adam Rogers-guitar, Sean Jones-trumpet, John Patitucci-bass, Antonio Sanchez-drums) to swing a little harder with each track.
Standout Tracks: Phil-osophy, Mr. Scott, Points Encountered.
Mark Egan-Truth Be Told (Wavetone Records)
Recorded at Avatar Studios, New York, NY.
Grammy winner Mark Egan has created a fusion feast in Truth Be Told. Evidence of his history as a member of various contemporary jazz bands-including Pat Metheny, Larry Coryell, and Sting- is present in this 11-song album. Egan is a monster bassist, and a track like “Sea Saw” is so impressive because he makes it seems so easy. Be assured, it’s not.
Standout Tracks: Truth Be Told, Sea Saw, Rhyme or Reason.
Ryan Keberle- Heavy Dreaming (Alternative Side Records)
Recorded at Systems Two, Brooklyn, NY.
Keberle has the honor of being a member of the first graduating class of Julliard’s Jazz program. The New York based trombonist's latest release features some of the upcoming ‘new establishment’ players, who keep a strong sense of individuality while making the whole something special. Who can resist an effective Ellington arrangement? Heaven knows I can’t. This album sort of reassures the more senior establishment that big, flowing jazz is alive and well, and probably living in Brooklyn.
Standout Tracks: Heavy Dreaming, Parts I and II, I Like the Sunrise, Early Mourning, Mother Nature’s Son.
Other articles in this series:
New Jazz Releases Part 1 of 5: Orrin Evans, Carl Fischer, Mark Weinstein
New Jazz Releases Part 2 of 5:Tim Hagans, Michael Janisch, Tobias Gebb
New Jazz Releases Part 3 of 5: Gia Notte, Vinson Valega, The Trio
New Jazz Releases Part 4 of 5: Sam Newsome, Pablo Held, Soren Miller and Dick Oatts
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