Tom Kennedy: Just Play

Capri Records
By Ric Bang
Buy CD: Just Play

The more albums I review, the more I become convinced that the prime age for jazz artists begins in their 50s and 60s. The all-star group fronted for this album by bassist Tom Kennedy is proof positive. Kennedy, drummer Dave Weckl, pianist Renee Rosnes, trumpeter Tim Hagans and trombonist John Allred are in their 50s; tenor saxmen Steve Wirts and George Garzone, and guitarists Mike Stern and Lee Ritenour, are in their 60s. These artists aren’t old; they’re at the top of their craft!

Further, several are masters on their instruments. Weckl is one of the best big-band drummers I’ve ever heard; he reads arrangements impeccably, catches every inflection and emphasis, and drives the entire group marvelously, without getting in the way of the soloists. That said, his own solos always are works of art. Kennedy is equally talented on the bass; he began studying on the upright instrument, then added electric models to his arsenal. His ability to produce more complex chords and blazing speeds on electric basses carried over to the uprights, his instrument of choice on this album. His dexterity on solo passages is breathtaking.

Rosnes has been a first-call jazz artist for years, but remains relatively unknown to the public, and I don’t know why. Perhaps a partial explanation lies in her Canadian heritage, and the fact that she began her musical career in the classical genre. She was turned onto jazz by a high school teacher. Even so, she was performing classical concerts in the early 1980s, and was awarded a Canada Council of the Arts grant before moving to New York City to further her studies. After joining Joe Henderson’s quartet in ’86, she turned to jazz with a vengeance. She has played with the jazz Who’s Who, and has an extensive discography in our favorite genre. I’ve become a huge fan; she’s a great straight-ahead artist.

Every member of this group is excellent, and the album title perfectly describes its contents. This is pure, swinging, exciting music, and the artists obviously are having a ball.

The menu includes compositions that have become key elements of the

jazz dictionary: Bobby Timmons’ “Moanin’,” Freddie Hubbard’s “Ceora,” Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood,” Dave Brubeck’s “In Your Own Sweet Way,” Cole Porter’s “What Is This Thing Called Love” and several others. 

                                                                

You’ll love this release!

Tim Hagans: The Avatar Sessions

Fuzzy Music
By Ric Bang • Originally published in The Davis Enterprise, 6.3.10
Buy CD: The Avatar Sessions

This phenomenal album features some of the world's best musicians ... and yes, I mean the world's best.

Americans Tim Hagans, Peter Erskine, Dave Liebman, Randy Brecker, Rufus Reid, George Garzone and Vic Juris are joined by Sweden's Norrbotten Big Band, which is known all over Europe.

Trumpeter/composer Hagans and drummer Erskine, both master musicians, first met while with the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Erskine is an exceptional big band drummer; he keeps everything moving, catches every accent and “fills” superbly. Liebman (tenor sax) is a Miles Davis alum; Brecker (trumpet) got his start with Blood, Sweat and Tears; Reid (bass) played with Dexter Gordon and Thad Jones; and Garzone (tenor sax) has worked with everyone in New York City.

Juris, a famed guitarist, appears on one track.

It should be noted that all these musicians have been around for years; their average age is in the late 50s to mid-60s.

And as for the Norrbotten Big Band, it's simply the most swinging big band working in that country ... and the rest of Europe.

This release's seven tracks, all written and arranged by Hagans, are sensational: They're intricate and complex, they swing like crazy, and the ensemble and solo work will take your breath away.

Each tune is related to an individual or event in Hagans' career: “Buckeyes,” a real burner, is a tribute to the many great jazz musicians hailing from Ohio; “Boo” is a boogaloo chart written for Brecker; “Box of Cannoli” is a relatively up-tempo love song; and “Here with Me,” a true ballad, features Liebman's soprano sax.

“Palt Seanuts” mixes Dizzy Gillespie's bop anthem with a traditional Swedish food item. “Rufus at Gilly's” allows Reid to demonstrate his chops, while “Song for Mirka” pays homage to Mirka Siwek, the producer of the Norrbotten Big Band.

The Avatar in the title refers to the New York studio where the recording session took place. The recording quality, mixing and mastering are superb.

Last, but not least, the album packaging is excellent: plenty of photos, concise writing and helpful information. This is a “must have” album for jazz lovers; it's the best thing I've heard in more than a decade.