CD Reviews: Marc Rosen & The Sweet Thunder Jazztet, “Monsoon”
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Posted by: adminon Tuesday, November 07, 2006 - 06:52 AM |
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By Edward Blanco
Saxophonist Marc Rosen professes to be highly influenced by the play of legendary baritone great Gerry Mulligan and to this end he aptly borrows much of Mulligan’s melodic lines and harmonic style in recording Monsoon. The album provides eleven original compositions from Rosen, members of the band and arranger, David Wolpe
all played in a tasteful interpretation of the master’s flair. Pianist Dave Davidson, bassist Scott Baekeland, drummer Fred Johnson and Paul Beuning on the trumpet and flugelhorn team up for Rosen’s musical support.
While the liner notes, which are spars, indicate that the project was recorded in a studio, the audio reveals a certain live performance quality as if the band were playing in a club setting. Rosen’s burly and raspy baritone sound is by far the prominent voice on this disc providing standout solos. The music is new and contemporary yet reminiscent of the mulligan sound.
Notable tracks include the brisk opener “Mark VT,” the very jazzy “One-Eyed Jack,” the ballad-like “Dormindinha,” the quick and bouncy “Eurydice’s Theme” and the stylish melodic “Rolling Thunder.” When aficionados think of baritone saxophonist, the ones who come to mind are of course Mulligan, Gary Smulyan, Bill Ramsey and now Marc Rosen. A fine performance by Rosen and crew make Monsoon a respectable album.
Label: Self Published
Year: 2006
Artist Web: www.sweetthunderjazztet.com
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