CD Reviews: Seamus Blake “Bellwether”
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Posted by: editoron Sunday, December 20, 2009 - 08:00 PM |
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By: Edward Blanco
In 2008 Seamus Blake toured Europe with his quartet and came back with his first live recording as a leader with the a dynamite double CD set titled, “Live in Italy” released by the Italian label, Jazz Eyes. Blake returns to the Criss Cross Label, where he has produced the majority of his recordings, releasing a scintillating post-bop album of primarily original compositions. On “Bellwether,” the saxophonist features his creative improvisational skills and his knack for hard-driving solos presenting seven lively and challenging pieces that touch on styles from bop, Brazilian to the classical genre. With the exception of the Ivan Lins inspired Blake original, “A Beleza Que Vem” (The Beauty That Comes), where Blake takes on the soprano, and the ten-minute plus classical-tinged “String Quartet in G Minor, Opus 10,” from French Impressionist music pioneer Claude Debussy—the remaining repertoire is essentially all sizzling hard bop.
Blake brings back the same quintet he previously employed when he released “Way Out Willy” (Criss Cross, 2007) except for the addition of Australian bassist Matt Clohesy who replaces Orlando Le Fleming. His long-time pianist David Kikoski leads a rhythm section that boast the talents of drummer Bill Stewart, and Norwegian guitarist Lage Lund whose solos are exceptional especially on the outstanding “The Song That Lives Inside,” a piece sounding interestingly similar in tone and texture to Thelonious Monk's signature tune “Round Midnight.”
The other cover included here is John Scofield's “Dance Me Home,” the opener originally written as a funk tune, is totally transformed into a straight jazz number possessing a race horse tempo setting the stage for what's to come through out the album. Blake delivers some of his very best solo performances on the Title track along side Kikoski's exquisite piano play and on “Minor Celebrity,” while on the rich “Subterfuge” the saxophone torments the instrument with his hard blowing as guitarist Lund and Stewart provide exciting support with crisp fluid guitar work and splashing cymbal accents over powerful drum phrasings.
One may argue that this is one “bellwether”of a recording meaning of course by dictionary definition “one who takes the lead or a trend indicator” but this appraiser is not quite sure of that distinction because tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake already happens to be a trend setter and leader in the jazz world today. Having said that, “Bellwether” taps into a very progressive jazz sound distinguished by its sophistication, bold improvisations and sheer swagger.
Year: 2009
Label: Criss Cross
Artist Web: www.seamusblake.com
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