Nick Finzer, Christian Fabian and Rachel Z are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately:
NICK FINZER – LEGACY: A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF JJ JOHNSON (JAZZ): Nick Finzer continues to further his craft with his latest Outside In Music release. Legacy is a recognition of J.J. Johnson featuring some of the trombone legend’s original sidemen such as bassist Rufus Reid, drummer Lewis Nash, and pianist Renee Rosnes. Finzer leads the band through a series of thrilling performances of Johnson compositions, his own originals and songs from Johnson’s songbook, all captured at the Rudy Van Gelder studio. “Say When,” a delightful opening track, is buoyed by a rhythm section that plays with power and subtlety. The Johnson staple “Lament” shines in this setting, gliding forward with evocative piano work by Rosnes, delicate brush work by Nash and lyrical lines by Finzer. It’s not a recreation of the original, yet still retains the musical themes that made the song so powerful.
Pianist Rosnes originally composed “Malaga Moon” for Johnson. On Legacy, the quartet adds nuance and emotion to a song that was initially recorded by Johnson with an orchestra. Finzer’s tone enlivens the melancholy of the song, creating a glacial feel while allowing space for Reid and Nash’s effecting rhythmic backing. Rosnes’ understated but appropriate piano touches are also a highlight. Legacy: A Centennial Celebration of JJ Johnson is available now; the vinyl preorder is already sold out. One listen to songs like “Shortcake” and you’ll not only want this tribute album but will seek of JJ Johnson’s original recordings.
CHRISTIAN FABIAN TRIO – HIP TO THE SKIP (JAZZ/FUNK): Out now on Spicerack Records, the Christian Fabian Trio’s Hip to the Skip is a captivating blend of jazz and funk elements that showcases the trio’s exceptional musicianship. From the original opening title track to the album-closing “Effend,” this Sweden-born, New York-based bassist takes listeners on a musical journey filled with dynamic performances and innovative compositions. The album started as a creative endeavor that was supposed to produce two or three songs. Fabian and drummer Jason Marsalis added keyboardist Matt King, and the project quickly moved to the next phase with forward-leaning interpretations of songs by Joe Zawinul (“Mercy, Mercy, Mercy”), Jason Marsalis (“In the Name of Feminism”) and McCoy Tyner (“Effend”). The three pieces add touches of funk to each of them, transforming each into a new and vibrant piece.
The band took turns arranging the various songs, and the project was recorded from September 2022 until March 2023 at Mozart Studios in Little Falls, N.J. Despite the obstacles to recording brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, this project sounds seamless and energetic. My favorite tracks are the title track, which was partially inspired by Fabian’s close friend Michael, the cover of Miles Davis’ bold “(Funky) Four” and drummer Marsalis’ “In the Name of Feminism.” Each track on the album is carefully crafted and expertly executed, and downright fun. The result is a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts looking for something fresh and exciting in the contemporary jazz scene.
ALLIANCE [FEAT. SHAREL CASSITY AND COLLEEN CLARK] – ALLIANCE (JAZZ): The self-titled album Alliance featuring drummer Colleen Clark and Sharel Cassidy is a bold musical statement. Supplemented by pianist Hannah Meyer and bassist Carmani Edwards, the band navigates through nine songs with power and grace. “Wingspan,” composed by Mulgrew Miller, swings with authority. Cassidy weaves a trance around the melody with her saxophone while the rest of the band builds on the central theme. The result is a toe tapping, head-nodding alchemy which sets the standard for the rest of the album. Clark’s tight solo only adds to the anticipation of what’s to come. The cover of “Syl-O-gism” by Mary Lou Williams is fantastic. A standout contributor to Johannes Wallmann’s 2022 LP Precarious Towers, Cassidy shines throughout. Meanwhile, bassist Edwards and drummer Clark weave an intricate web of rhythm. Bassist Edwards contributes the fine “Linger,” a slow-burning song that allows the band to stretch even further. Additionally, her arrangement of Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage” gives the band substantial meat to bite into. The album-closing “There But For the Grace of …” features the only guest on the album, Kellie Hanas on trumpet. The entire band shines with obvious enthusiasm, bringing home a musical experience which should not be ignored.
RACHEL Z – SENSUAL (JAZZ): Rachel Z’s career as a side musician is astonishing. Her work with Regina Carter, Terri Lynne Carrington, Wayne Shorter, Al Di Meola among others, underscores her acumen as a musician. There is also her work with Peter Gabriel, Wayne Shorter and her husband Omar Hakim, which further cements Rachel Z’s standing in contemporary jazz. I first became aware of her music when I saw the Trio of Oz perform at the Main Stage in Chicago a few years back. Her playing was dynamic, powerful and enticing. She also has quite a captivating solo career. Her latest album from Dot Time Records adds another layer to her enchanting career. Utilizing the core band of Hakim on drums, and Jonathan Toscano on bass, Rachel Z pulls the listener in with her staccato chords on piano on the opening “Save My Soul.” Her piano solos dance with Hakin’s backbeat and are playfully supported by guest bassist Matt Penman. The piano builds on the rhythmic tension yet allows space for the principle players and guest percussionist, Mino Cinela.
“Bodhisattva” is equally enchanting with Rachel Z’s piano setting the scene while Hakim provides a nuanced shuffle. The telepathy of these players shines through as they know instinctively when to lean in and then back away leaving space of the impassioned piano solos. “These Days,” a Foo Fighters original, combines Rachel Z’s elegantly powerful voicings with a nuanced jazz fusion backbeat from Hakim. Toscano offers an understated acoustic bass solo which is the launchpad for the next passionate piano workout. Omar Hakim builds upon that, providing an aerobic cymbal and snare backing which elevates the song even further while shifting from 15/8 to 7/4 time signatures. This is obviously not what Dave Grohl envisioned for the song, but I’m sure he is pleased with its treatment. Rachel Z then gives the listener six more tracks to reflect on. Her piano and synthesizer skills are obviously phenomenal; however, her craftsmanship and compositional skills are what makes Sensual a must have.
PETER DiCARLO – THE OTHER SIDE (JAZZ): Saxophonist Peter DiCarlo follows his stellar debut album Onward with an even more compelling album. On The Other Side, DiCarlo channels the Turkish influences developed from his relocation from New York City to Izmir, Turkey. The result is an album which brings forth the best of both worlds. The opening title song showcases DiCarlo’s passion with its powerful rhythmic tension and equally passionate alto work. DiCarlo is supported by drummer Ferit Oman, bassist Oman Musluoglu and pianist Uranus Kizaner as he leads the listener on a whirlwind journey. Along the way, they give a nod to the rhythm section’s Turkish routes but also share the passion on DiCarlo’s native New York. Each of the album’s seven songs bristle with passion and nuance, demonstrating a jump forward from DiCarlo’s fine debut.
“Yesterday’s Tomorrow” is a slow-burning DiCarlo’s original which gives Kizaner a showcase for his elegant piano style, while the rhythm sections teases the listener with what’s to come. DiCarlo’s solos are tantalizing, and the band takes this fine composition to a place that wasn’t anticipated at the beginning but certainly is welcome. New Yorker Francesca Prihasti contributed the composition “Ever You Need Me.” A pianist and frequent collaborator with DiCarlo, Prihasti composed an epic which allows DiCarlo to flirtatiously dance around the song’s main theme. The entire band gets into the act with dynamic solos by Kizaner and prominent drumming by Oman. Musluoglu holds down a steady bottom end while DiCarlo soars in the song’s coda, giving this fusion of cultures and wonderfully natural vibe. Peter DiCarlo has confounded expectations with The Other Side, giving the listeners a challenging, yet accessible album. Recorded in one day in May of 2023 at Hayyam Recording Studio in Istanbul Turkey, The Other Side is out now on Shifting Paradigm Records.
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