Archives for March 6, 2011

Tamir Hendelman, Destinations (Resonance). The pianist’s second album as a leader is a gem. With drummer Lewis Nash and the Italian-born bassist Marco Panascia, he fashions exquisite versions of a dozen pieces. He is exhilarating in his lightning exploration of Makoto Ozone’s “BQE,” tender in his own “Babushka,” full of wit in his fleet exchanges with Nash and Panascia in Charlie Parker’s and Dizzy Gillespie’s “Anthropology.” In the contrast between his intricate introduction to “Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams” and the trio’s entry into the song itself, Hendelman creates a classic feel-good moment.

Jeremy Pelt, The Talented Mr. Pelt (High Note). There is more here than meets the ear accustomed to quintets that knock off Blue Note bands of the 1960s. From his record debut in 2002—and notably since he established this group in 2007—the trumpeter has manifested originality as soloist and composer. Five of the eight tunes are his, with writing as free of clichés as is his playing. Pelt’s sidemen are seasoned pros: saxophonist J.D. Allen, bassist Dwayne Burno pianist Danny Grissett and drummer Gerald Cleaver. On Cy Coleman’s rarely heard “In Love Again,” Pelt has a flugelhorn solo of heartbreaking beauty.

Neslort, Mystical Scam (Lort/Threadhead). Most reviews and articles about the leader of Neslort (spell it backward) begin, “Eccentric New Orleans trombonist Rick Trolsen…” The reasons for that are apparent in this CD. Equally evident is Trolsen’s and the sextet’s musicianship, which merges street funk, bebop, electronica, rhythm and blues, New Orleans parade pzazz and—as in all good gumbos—a mystery ingredient or two. Tim Robertson’s pliant guitar licks, Kyle Cripps’ saxophones, Matt Perrine’s bass and tuba, Larry Sieberth’s keyboards and the popping vigor of Boyanna Trayanova’s drumming complement Trolsen’s blowsy trombone and his vocals, reminiscent of David Clayton-Thomas.

Stan Kenton, Artistry in Rhythm (Jazzed Media). This is the story of Kenton’s development of a big band unlike any of its contemporaries. Photographs, film, video tape, audio recordings and interviews trace the band from its early days through its many incarnations—Artistry in Rhythm, Innovations, Progressive, Contemporary Concepts, Neophonic. Rather than a script and narration, the production depends for continuity on an extended interview with L.A. Jazz Institute head Ken Poston. Poston tends to speak in the historian’s academic mix of past, present and conditional tenses, but he gives good information. The film captures Kenton’s expansive personality and much of his music that matched it. It is a vast improvement over an unrelated 2004 DVD of the same title.

Jimmy Heath and Joseph McLaren, I Walked With Giants (Temple). Younger brother of bassist Percy, older brother of drummer Albert (Tootie), saxophonist, composer and arranger Jimmy Heath tells his life story with forthrightness, humor and no trace of self-delusion. A brilliant youngster who succumbed to the heroin disease that plagued beboppers, Heath paid his debt, cleaned up his act and became one of the most productive and respected musicians of his generation. Co-author McLaren intersperses tributes from Sonny Rollins, Benny Carter, James Moody and other giants who make it plain they are proud to have walked with Heath.