By Ric Bang
Buy CD: Formanism
One of the great things
about jazz is that periodically I discover a “new” artist, despite having
spent most of my life deeply involved in the art. I sometimes become
convinced that I’ve heard all of the ones who count ... and, gratefully, that’s
never the case. To paraphrase a popular line: So much great jazz, so
little time.
Guitarist Bruce Forman is one
such example. I’ve heard him many times, but without knowing who I was listening
to. Most Clint Eastwood fans know that he’s a true jazz nut; just listen
to the soundtracks in many of his movies, and you’ll know what I mean. So,
who played the guitar on the soundtrack for Million Dollar Baby, and several others Eastwood films?
That would be Bruce Forman.
He has been part of the jazz
scene for more than two decades, both as a sideman and leader, and has recorded
with luminaries such as Ray Brown, Freddie Hubbard, Barney Kessel and Kenny
Burell. Forman also has taught since his teens, conducted workshops
internationally, and published written and video teaching guides.
One of the most interesting
aspects of Forman’s musical career is his interest — and fluency — in all music
genres. This new disc features him in a traditional/bop-tinged style, but he also
has released albums that demonstrate his skills as a Country/Western artist; Swingin’ Out West and Route 66, featuring a group named Cow Bop, are examples.
Trio formats come in many,
many flavors. Forman’s guitar-led group is a welcome variation, and this
release blends standards (“I’ve Told Every Little
Star,” “Flamingo,” “Happens to You”) with original
compositions. The operative description? Everything swings brightly.
You’ll immediately notice the
immaculate interplay among these three artists. When Forman plays a complex
melodic line, bassist Gabe Noel doesn’t merely keep the beat; he echoes the
same line, or a similar chord progression, which results in a delightful
mix. In a similar manner, drummer Jake Reed further augments the beat,
without ever interfering.
This is an
extremely tasteful group: so good that you won’t feel like any conversational
background. You’ll just want to listen.
No comments:
Post a Comment