Denver saxophonist Paul Riola has just released one of the most accessible free-improvisation collections I’ve heard in a while. He refers to the collaboration as spontaneous composition, but a listener doesn’t need to take an academic approach to “Bottesini” (CMW Records) to appreciate the forward- moving pulse, the instant grooves and shared excitement of discovery. The artists aren’t creating variations on time-worn melodies, but the project still echoes the spirit of an old- fashioned jam session.
The assembled cast on “Bottesini” makes sure that there’s just about always something happening that’s worth your attention. Cornetist Ron Miles, turntablist DJ Olive, guitarist Jeff Parker and pedal steel player Glenn Taylor weave in and out of the mix, sharing their own considerable experiences from the world of improvisation.
Meanwhile, drummer Scott Amendola and bassist Doug Anderson lay down mostly rock-influenced backdrops. As for Riola, he’s up to the challenge of the nationally recognized names he brought to Colorado. He trades barbs nicely, especially when he picks up the soprano, an increasingly neglected instrument.
“I spend a lot of time thinking about the ensembles,” says Riola, who tries to put one of these happenings together several times a year. “I find out what their overall musical aesthetic is, and project the potential chemistry. I’m into the works of all the musicians on this particular record.”
Two CDs is a lot of music to digest, and I’m surprised by how often I’ve been returning to “Bottesini.” That’s in part due to the respect I have for the guest musicians, especially Miles and Parker, who know how to engagingly play with space and are so cliche-free in their soloing. But what’s best about the set is the overall cooperative feeling. It adds up to a smart, abstract dialogue between artists who use their instruments instead of words. Since it was recorded in front of an audience, it’s a shame that the enthusiastic Denver crowd was so sparse.
So, what is a Bottesini?
“The first time I did one of these projects, I called it the Dragonetti ensemble,” Riola says, confusing things further. “He was this 18th-century bass virtuoso who was eccentric. He lived with mannequins and even introduced one as his wife. He was the most respected bass player in Europe. His arch nemesis was a bass player named Bottesini. He even tried to play Dragonetti’s bass. But he never did get to play it.”
Judging by this music, it appears that, at least in name, centuries later, Bottesini is finally getting his due.
Set list.
Pianist Mulgrew Miller, who has been making exceptional music for decades (does anyone remember the remarkable string of Tony Williams records he played on for Blue Note in the ’80s?), brings his trio to Dazzle on Thursday and Friday. He might remind you of McCoy Tyner in his approach, and that’s a high compliment . . . On Thursday, Creative Music Works presents “Painting/Music/Architecture: A Collaborative Performance” with improvisations by Janet Feder, Greg Harris and others with video sculpture by VJ Movax. It starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Denver Art Museum . . . The Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Festival runs Thursday through Sunday at the Rio Grande Park with Dianne Reeves, Manhattan Transfer, Christian McBride and more. Go to . . . Local whiz-kid drummer Colin Stranahan supports vocalist Maria Neckam at Dazzle on June 22 . . . Tonight’s scheduled City Park Jazz performance at 6 p.m. features the Hazel Miller Band.
Bret Saunders’ column on jazz appears every other Sunday in A&E. Saunders is host of the KBCO Morning Show,” 5:30-10 a.m. weekdays at 97.3-FM. His e-mail address is bret_saunders@
