By Ric Bang
Buy CD: Lingo
Drummer/composer
Phil Parisot heads this swinging quartet from the Pacific Northwest jazz scene.
He’s supported by Steve Treseler (tenor sax), Dan Kramlich (piano) and Michael
Glynn (bass). They’ve known each other for almost 20 years, and the result is a
tight, cohesive combo.
Parisot
is unusual in a way; not many percussionists are accomplished composers, and
very few play with such taste. His relatively light touch allows listeners to
fully appreciate his ability to use unique rhythmic lines, which are
particularly important as “fills” in a small group. He
can’t resist the opportunity to offer solo passages, but his shading is an
addition, not a distraction.
Treseler
is a gem. His tone is to die for, and his solo passages are outstanding. It’s a
challenge to be the primary horn in a small group — it can become monotonous —
but that isn’t a problem for Treseler.
The
same can be said for Kramlich. His background work is spot-on, and his solos
are interesting and driving.
The
musical menu is a satisfying mix of genres and tempos. Parisot wrote seven of
the 10 charts; two are short drum “choruses.” The others are from Duke
Ellington (“Low Key Lightly”), Jerry Bergonzi (“Different Places Together”) and
Keith Judelman (“One for Hugh”). The presentation includes up-tempo burners,
ballads and even a jazz waltz. All of them satisfy.
This
is a neat quartet. Based on the liner notes, another release is in the works
for the future. Can’t wait!
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