This stack of CDs (yes, CDs, and I still slightly prefer ‘em to streaming or vinyl, thank you very much) isn’t going to listen to itself, so here’s a rundown of some of the most engaging stuff to pile up on my desk recently.
Brazilian tenor saxophonist Ivo Perelman releases so much music I have to wonder if even he’s heard all of the finished products. I count 25 albums in just the past five years, including five that made their way to me in recent weeks. Perelman shows a deep respect for the spiritual sax innovations of Albert Ayler, Pharoah Sanders and David S. Ware, and if you’re willing to step into his sound world, you’ll be rewarded. Of his newest music (all released on the wide-ranging independent label Leo Records), “Soul” and “Breaking Point” are the best points of entry, primarily because Perelman works in the quartet format and both feature expressive, interactive drummers. “Soul” features fellow traveler and similarly prolific Matthew Shipp on piano, and for that reason itap probably the Perelman disc I’ll return to most in 2016. But the year is still young, and who knows whatap next for him?
Logan Richardson is a virtuoso saxophonist who managed to get a couple of the biggest names in jazz for his Blue Note records debut — and itap a testament to his abundance of talent that he shines so brightly on “Shift.” Guitarist Pat Metheny and pianist Jason Moran are widely respected and instantly recognizable on their instruments, and here they contribute just enough as to not dominate the proceedings. It helps that Richardson has a book of memorable compositions, and the result is a beautiful, smart collaboration that allows for repeated listening. The album’s sole cover, Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out Of Heaven,” is a haunting, spacey marvel. Guess I’ll have to take Mars more seriously.
For someone who’s appeared on so many recordings as a band member (Tortoise) and a sideman, itap surprising that electric guitarist Jeff Parker puts out so little work under his own name. “The New Breed” (International Anthem) pits his ax and band against jagged samples, conjuring up a satisfying brand of soul jazz that seems rooted in the 1970s while sounding entirely contemporary. Itap quirky, funky and compelling music, and I hope Parker makes a lot more available in addition this relatively short (37-minute) program soon.
Bassist Marcus Miller and keyboardist Booker T. Jones co-headline at Aspen’s Benedict Music Tent as part of Jazz Aspen Snowmass on June 26. … City Park Jazz presents Boulder’s Otis Taylor with a free show, also on June 26. …Guitarist John Pattitucci brings his quartet to Dazzle Jazz on June 28-29 … The Diana Castro Band appears at El Chapultepec on June 28. … Veteran Colorado saxophonist Nelson Rangell plays at Nissi’s in Lafayette on June 29. … Inventive Denver guitarist Janet Feder plays Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox on June 30. … The Jeff Nathanson Quintet explores the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim at Nocturne Jazz And Supper Club on July 1.
