New (Young?) J*** Turks
Posted by: dsteady on 07 June 2005
I'm interested to know what's NEW out there in the world of Jazz. I've been trying to buy works by newer (and younger) jazz artists and have come up with some interesting stuff. Here are three that I'll rave about:
Brad Mehldau, Pianist/Composer -- Largo; Anything Goes; Art of the Trio vols. 1-5.
Website here
I think if you like Bill Evans's trio work you'll like this. Yet, that is not to say that it is like or derivative of him. Mehldau does the same sort of modal and thematic exploration as Evans, yet differently somehow. I think he's got a genuinely modern sound, but one that still carries recognizable (accessible?) melodic structures. His trio playing is especially good. And his longtime partners -- Larry Grenadier(b) and Jorge Rossy(d) -- are a formidable force (in this sense comparisons to Evan/LaFaro/Motian are apt).
Avishai Cohen, Bassist/Composer(trio & ensemble)-- At Home.
click here
New to me but maybe not to Chick Corea fans, with whom he's been a regular. It is, nonetheless, fresh to me and I like it a lot. The Ensemble work is stronger I think than the Trio work -- the album's a mix of the two -- and Sam Barsh who plays piano in both configurations is really a delight, not unlike, yet also different from.... Brad Mehldau. This album is really growing on me and I think fans of jazz trio from Evans to Jarrett, but who might be looking for a newer sound, should give it a try. E.S.T. fans as well might want to check this out. Also notable for Yosvany Terry's sax work and Anne Drummond's flute (this from someone who generally dislikes jazz flute).
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey-- Walking with Giants.
website
I have no idea who Jacob Fred is but the three fellows who play on this album have done him a nice honor. They are: Brian Haas -- Piano; Reed Mathis -- Bass, cello, Sitar, 12 string Guitar and something called an Octave Pedal-Induced Bass which he plays most of the time; Jason Smart -- Drums, Percussion. It's hard to tell who is the leader here, but Mathis' multi-instrumental mastery would point to him. I think fans of the more accessible John Zorn will like this. And of Cecil Taylor. And, oh hell, of Mignus and Monk too. The Octave Pedal-Induced Bass (it's name alone seems to be a statement) creates a sound that might recall Steely Dan if they had pushed ahead into a purer jazz. My only caution is to be patient with some of the title tracks ("Daily Wheatgrass Shots" "Muppet Babies get Lost at the State Fair") whose conspicuous whimsy might at first undermine the music within.
There are my three, and I welcome recommendations from others. I've really only begun this particular exploration, but am sensing there is quite alot out there that is worthy and new.
Please, resist from simple listmaking -- DISCUSS!
your in color,
daniel
ps - (Next Up: Jason Moran(piano/guitar quartet) -- "Same Mother" which I've I not had time to explore).n
Brad Mehldau, Pianist/Composer -- Largo; Anything Goes; Art of the Trio vols. 1-5.
Website here
I think if you like Bill Evans's trio work you'll like this. Yet, that is not to say that it is like or derivative of him. Mehldau does the same sort of modal and thematic exploration as Evans, yet differently somehow. I think he's got a genuinely modern sound, but one that still carries recognizable (accessible?) melodic structures. His trio playing is especially good. And his longtime partners -- Larry Grenadier(b) and Jorge Rossy(d) -- are a formidable force (in this sense comparisons to Evan/LaFaro/Motian are apt).
Avishai Cohen, Bassist/Composer(trio & ensemble)-- At Home.
click here
New to me but maybe not to Chick Corea fans, with whom he's been a regular. It is, nonetheless, fresh to me and I like it a lot. The Ensemble work is stronger I think than the Trio work -- the album's a mix of the two -- and Sam Barsh who plays piano in both configurations is really a delight, not unlike, yet also different from.... Brad Mehldau. This album is really growing on me and I think fans of jazz trio from Evans to Jarrett, but who might be looking for a newer sound, should give it a try. E.S.T. fans as well might want to check this out. Also notable for Yosvany Terry's sax work and Anne Drummond's flute (this from someone who generally dislikes jazz flute).
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey-- Walking with Giants.
website
I have no idea who Jacob Fred is but the three fellows who play on this album have done him a nice honor. They are: Brian Haas -- Piano; Reed Mathis -- Bass, cello, Sitar, 12 string Guitar and something called an Octave Pedal-Induced Bass which he plays most of the time; Jason Smart -- Drums, Percussion. It's hard to tell who is the leader here, but Mathis' multi-instrumental mastery would point to him. I think fans of the more accessible John Zorn will like this. And of Cecil Taylor. And, oh hell, of Mignus and Monk too. The Octave Pedal-Induced Bass (it's name alone seems to be a statement) creates a sound that might recall Steely Dan if they had pushed ahead into a purer jazz. My only caution is to be patient with some of the title tracks ("Daily Wheatgrass Shots" "Muppet Babies get Lost at the State Fair") whose conspicuous whimsy might at first undermine the music within.
There are my three, and I welcome recommendations from others. I've really only begun this particular exploration, but am sensing there is quite alot out there that is worthy and new.
Please, resist from simple listmaking -- DISCUSS!
your in color,
daniel
ps - (Next Up: Jason Moran(piano/guitar quartet) -- "Same Mother" which I've I not had time to explore).n
Can I be jealous, too ?
I have been to SF (well Santa Clara, actually...) a couple of times over the last few years, and never managed to go to the Jazz Bakery. (Program in January is usually dull...)
Stefan
I have been to SF (well Santa Clara, actually...) a couple of times over the last few years, and never managed to go to the Jazz Bakery. (Program in January is usually dull...)
Stefan