It’s hard to believe that the last studio album the Chris Greene Quartet released was 2017’s Boundary Issues. That’s not to say the Chicago area jazz titans haven’t been busy.
Band leader Greene and his cohorts – Damian Espinosa on piano and keyboards, Marc Piane on double bass and electric bass and Steve Corley on drums and percussion – have spent a substantial amount of time gigging and also have two stellar live efforts to show for their efforts.
Conversance picks up where the band left off with Boundary Issues. Produced by Chris Greene and Marc Piane, this first jazz release by Chicago-based Pravda Records showcases the warm sounds of Chris Greene’s tenor and soprano saxophones and the arranging and playing talents of each band member.
The lead-off track “Gentlemen’s Breakfast” was named after a ritual Greene has with his young son, is an evocative, genre-bending romp. Greene incorporates touches of a Brazilian samba in this powerfully seductive song. His tenor sets the pace while drummer Steve Corley keeps things flying with his rim and cymbal work. Damian Espinosa’s acoustic solo furthers the central theme, setting the way for Greene’s fast-paced tenor solo before additional drum and piano interplay.
“Broken Glass” is a slow-burning reflective piece written by Espinosa. The tight rhythm section provides a hypnotic backing for Chris Greene’s tenor to take flight before Espinosa provides a hypnotic Fender Rhodes solo.
Marc Piane’s composition “Thumper” gives the band tricky changes to work over. The song shifts pace and moods, keeping the listener on their toes with this joyous and adventurous composition. Greene’s solos take flight while Piane and Corley stretch yet to tie the pieces together. “The Emperor Strikes Back” is equally delightful. The rhythm section continues its shenanigans while Greene’s soprano saxophone dances above the clouds. The song, written by Greene and his teenage son, Alex Greene, is an adventurous and evocative piece featuring a wonder flight of fancy by Espinosa on Fender Rhodes.
The Piane song “Inspiration” demonstrates how versatile the bassist/producer is. Inspired by Piane’s wife, the song is lovely, with vivid imagery and equally evocative playing. Greene’s soprano sax engages in a delicate dance with Espinosa’s acoustic piano, creating a mystical setting enhanced by Corley’s cymbal and brushwork.
Available on high-quality 160-gram vinyl, Conversance features six songs in all. Digital and compact disc buyers also receive a powerful cover of the song “You Don’t Know What Love Is” and Duke Ellington’s “Just Squeeze Me,” both of which shine through new arrangements and the finesse that the Chris Greene Quartet gives them.
True music aficionados will appreciate the apparent care and talent demonstrated in Conversance.
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