By Ric Bang
Buy CD: 8
Pianist/composer David Arnay
is another of the many artists likely unknown beyond the borders of New York,
where he spent his early years; or the Los Angeles area, where he now resides
and works. Like many of today’s musicians, he teaches and embraces other
jobs in order to compose and perform. 8,
his third album as a leader, demonstrates that he is both talented and
promising.
This disc’s format is
unique: The tracks develop and “grow” as they proceed. The opening tune — one
of only two that aren’t original compositions — is a swinging solo piano
rendition of the Duke Ellington/Juan Tizol classic “Caravan.” Then,
as each subsequent track follows, another instrumentalist is added until an
octet is created.
Thus, the addition of
bassist Edwin Livingston results in a scintillating duo performance of “11/12/11,” and then
drummer Peter Erskine turns the duo into a trio for “Billville,” Arnay’s tribute
to Bill Evans. Tenor sax artist Doug Webb creates a quartet that burns its way
through “Step Four,” a
post-bop swinger. A quintet is formed with the arrival of percussionist Munyungo
Jackson, and Webb switches from tenor to bass clarinet for “Old Man Says.” The
sextet introduces Paco Loco on guitar, for John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps,” which — as a striking
change — is done as a ballad. (Webb switches to soprano sax for this track.)
Trumpeter Dan Fornero and
trombonist Vikram Devasthali replace the guitar to create the septet that
performs “Six of One”
and, finally, Loco returns on guitar — and Webb picks up his baritone sax — for
an octet handling of “Dream Groove.”
No matter the
combo size, the performances are
smooth, swinging and unique. If there’s any justice in the music world,
Arnay and his associates will receive many more opportunities to entertain us, while
— I’ve no doubt — having a lot more fun in the process.
