By Ric Bang
Buy CD: New Ties and Binds
As
the title of this release implies, we’re not dealing with any standards on this
session. All the charts are by members of the quintet: Tenor saxman Don Aliquo
wrote four, while his colleagues — trumpeter Clay Jenkins, pianist Harold
Danko, bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Jim White — each contributed one.
Each
musician’s resume could fill an entire page. Jenkins has worked with Harry
James, Buddy Rich, Count Basie and the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Danko has
supported Woody Herman, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis and myriad groups led by icons
such as Gerry Mulligan, Lee Konitz and Chet Baker. Reid has been part of units
fronted by Art Farmer, Stan Getz and Jack DeJohnette. With respect to
Australian-born White, it’s easier to say, “You name an Aussie group; he played
with them.” Aliquo, finally, is a well-known sideman and teacher in the
Tennessee area.
This
quintet’s style is complex straight-ahead: The melodic lines, chords and
key-changes keep the artists and listeners on their toes. The
various arrangements’ unison sections must have been written, as they’re too complicated
to commit to memory.
Most
of the charts are mid- to up-tempo, and they all swing nicely. Reid deserves much
of the credit; some bassists may play more creative solos, but none is more
steady. Additionally, Reid is a great “producer,” meaning that he has a great
talent for getting the most out of any group with which he plays.
All
in all, this is an intriguing and engaging album. Give it a shot.
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