Archive for the ‘Eric Alexander’ Category
Jim Rotondi: Blues for Brother Ray (2009 – Posi-tone)
Veteran trumpeter Jim Rotondi has been a fixture in the New York jazz scene for more than two decades. His clear, bold sound and polished soloing have been on display in such diverse groups as Lionel Hampton’s and Bob Mintzer’s big bands, as well as the powerhouse sextet, One For All, of which he is a co-founder. His most recent release, Blues for Brother Ray (Posi-Tone) celebrates the work of his early musical mentor and former boss, Ray Charles.
For jazz fans familiar with Rotondi’s playing, this album may surprise with its relaxed feel. The name of the game here is simplicity. Tracks such as “One Mont Julep” and “Lonely Avenue” deliver simple blues heads in unison, backed by sparse and repetitive accompaniment. Looking at the track listing, full of songs from Charles’ repertoire, this should not be surprising. Rather than viewing this album strictly as a jazz recording, it may best be seen as a jazz instrumental interpretation of soul and blues.
As such, this album is a success. Heads are delivered tastefully, and do not stray far from the feel of the originals with the exception of Rotondi’s fiery arrangement of “Georgia On My Mind,” taken at a tempo more akin to that of the fast-paced jazz standard “Sweet Georgia Brown.” The rhythm section offers disciplined accompaniment; Peter Bernstein’s guitar and Mike LeDonne’s organ never step on each other’s toes, and Joe Farnsworth’s drumming has an optimistic bounce.
The simple forms of this album’s music might allow for a lot of freedom in soloing, but their straightforwardness also demands restraint when it comes to harmonic experimentation. Navigating this line beautifully is Mike LeDonne, whose organ solos chirp, growl, and scream in exciting waves of inspiration, though never sounding unconvincing in the songs’ context. This is especially the case with his solo on “Makin’ Whoppee,” a virtuosic romp.
Eric Alexander’s saxophone style is best featured on “Cry Me A River,” perhaps because of the agitated modal swing context – his aggressive style sounds a bit impatient on simpler tunes such as “What’d I Say.” Rotondi is solid throughout, his tone full of belly and especially reminiscent of Freddie Hubbard. His soloing unfolds convincingly, blending bebop and blues language into cohesive statements.
A highly accessible album, I would recommend Blues for Brother Ray to jazz fans and casual listeners alike. If you were ever unsatisfied with the role of horns on Charles’ own albums, this recording gives you a chance to hear skilled improvisation over some of his charts by five quality instrumentalists.
Jacob Teichroew (About.com Guide to Jazz)
Across Rhythm 