It’s no secret that some of the most vital artists in the contemporary jazz
world can be found residing in Brooklyn. That’s why “A
Portrait of Brooklyn” is an appropriate title for an excellent new album from
Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records. The CD is full of great tracks showcasing
the diverse writing and playing styles of five of the top bandleaders on the Brooklyn
scene.
Strangely, the differences in these musical visions work to tie the album
together. The CD begins with the relentless driving energy of trumpeter David Smith’s
“Starr St.” Tenor Saxophonist Dan Pratt’s “Buttermilk Channel” keeps it going
with equal energy and some fanciful melodic twists. Then comes
the wonderfully weird Mingus-like “JV” by multi-reed player Adam Kolker. But that’s not the only experimental track; “The Cherry Bees” by
bassist Anne Mette Iverson, is deliciously orchestral while including the
oddest of harmonies.
The most beautiful cut on the album is drummer Rob Garcia’s “1898” which
features an excellent trumpet solo by Smith. Listening to these musicians
interpret one another’s tunes make it clear that
these unique artists are more than capable of supporting all of their
individual idiosyncrasies as a cohesive group.
This article appears in Jul 25-31, 2012.
http://amitausa.com – Acupuncture Brooklyn NY