Jazz, February 2024

Jazz, February 2024

Jim Rotondi Quintet

Over Here

Criss Cross Jazz 1417 

In the 2000s, whereas nonetheless based mostly in New York, straight-ahead trumpeter and educator Jim Rotondi made a string of albums for Criss Cross, culminating in The Move, a title that presaged his relocation to Austria as Professor of Trumpet at Graz University. Hence the title of this new album, recorded in Italy on the finish of a contented ten-day tour of European jazz golf equipment, with a quintet of seasoned gamers who’ve all studied and labored in New York however now spend most of their time in Europe – saxophonist Rick Margitza, for instance, moved to Paris in 2003. Rotondi is very mellow on flugelhorn, and with pianist Grissett, bassist Ginsburg and drummer Kostadinovic all wonderful, every little thing gels enjoyably. SH

Paul Mottram

Seven Ages Of Man

Ubuntu Music UBU0140

A profitable composer for tv, from The Apprentice to Downton Abbey, Paul Mottram lighted on the ‘All the world’s a stage’ speech in As You Like It for this jazz/classical work constructed round saxophonist Tim Garland. He prefaces Shakespeare’s ‘ages’ with ‘Origin’ and ‘Gestation’, a stunning unfolding theme performed by the second foremost soloist, pianist Jason Rebello. Mottram recorded their solo components first, then the orchestra and at last the remainder of the sextet (vibes, bass, drums, percussion). With an ‘Infant’ wide-eyed and questioning slightly than ‘mewling and puking’, Mottram’s ‘seven ages’ appear serenely optimistic, however maybe that is what we want now. SH

Logan Kane

Floor Plans

Ghost Note GNR1024; LP: GNRLP1024

A stunning participant on each acoustic and electrical bass, Kane had already made his mark on the LA jazz scene when, aged 23, he lower his bold nonet album Nope, Science [Orenda Records]. This time he leads a robust quartet that feels like a much bigger group, once more with the unstoppable alto sax of David Binney and pressing drumming of Benjamin Ring. On piano, UK ex-pat John Escreet alternates with Texas-born Paul Cornish (additionally a member of Kane’s band Thumpasaurus). Though Kane primarily performs acoustic bass, the hypnotic rhythm of ‘Labor Day Machines’ provides option to his quick and fluid electrical solo. Want a stimulating blast of different jazz? This is it. SH

Aaron Diehl & The Knights

Zodiac Suite

Mack Avenue MAC1201; LP: MAC1201LP

Jazz pianist, arranger and composer Mary Lou Williams wrote her Zodiac Suite in 1945 nevertheless it was by no means efficiently carried out or recorded in its orchestral type – till now. In this very good realisation, the good and delicate pianist Aaron Diehl (recognized for his nice trio work, a miraculous collaboration with Cecile McLorin Salvant, and a few classical explorations) groups with an adventurous New York chamber orchestra, The Knights. The different soloists are soprano Mikaela Bennett (operatic in ‘Pisces’), clarinettist Evan Christopher, saxophonist Nicole Glover and trumpeter Brandon Lee, who makes ‘Virgo’ chic. It’s a milestone recording, and a novel achievement. SH

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February 29, 2024 at 11:33PM