Deviantics

From Jazziz
Without much fanfare, Chris Speed's originality, chops, and melodicism have made him one of the best tenor-sax and clarinet players in today's avant-garde. Here, he's joined by his frequent sidemen: trumpeter Cuong Vu, bassist Skuli Sverrisson, and drummer Jim Black. Much of the work is influenced by Balkan music; it's modal-based and performed in odd meters. "Syncretics," however, is free jazz. This is a relaxed session with an emphasis on solo and collective improvising. Speed stands out on both of his instruments. His relatively light tone and sparing use of vibrato on tenor suggest he's drawn on the Lester Young school. There's also a Coltrane influence in his work. On clarinet, his pure, pretty tone reminds of Jimmy Hamilton, although it probably comes from classical training. On both instruments, he's melodically inventive and thoughtful. Cuong Vu performs imaginatively and demonstrates versatility; he can improvise pensively or forcefully. He structures solos nicely and does some growling to add timbral variety to them. Sverrisson has got it all: chops, sensitivity, and originality. He's able to harness his virtuosity in the process of doing a great job as an accompanist and ensemble player (there's some very cohesive collective playing going on here). And he's a very fine soloist who brings all registers of his instruments into play. As is also evidenced by his solo album, Sermonie, he's one of the most sophisticated and advanced musicians around in the area of using electronic technique. Black has excelled with Pachora, Speed, and Dave Douglas in performing Balkan-influenced music. In all contexts, he keeps things moving without being obtrusive. His playing is crisp and tasty.

Deviantics,Chris Speed's yeah NO,Songlines,Avant-Garde Jazz,Free Improvisation,Free Jazz,Jazz,Jazz Music,Modern Creative,Pop,World Fusion

Jazz Music: