Chris Greco (soprano/tenor sax, flute, clarinet); Brad Rabuchin (guitar); Dean Taba (contrabass); Kendall Kay (drums, congas)
(Review by Les)
Before getting into the detail there
are a couple of things worth noting at the outset. Firstly, whilst this
CD is a new release (as of March 2013) the recordings were made in 1994.
Secondly, the use of the word Trane in the title is more a "doffing
of the cap" to the Jazz Icon than any reference to the music on this
release.
Chris Greco hails from LA, and is
well-schooled in both classical and jazz disciplines (a well-qualified, multi
award-winning product of UCLA). He appears to involve himself in many
projects, often simultaneously, and his body of works are now finding the light
of day on gwsfourwinds.
This latest release showcases eight
compositions by Greco plus the final track Soul
Eyes, many of the self-penned numbers having titles linked to the Pleiades
star constellation (Sterope, Merope, Maia
and Electra being four of the
seven stars).
Greco's notoriety in the jazz world is
borne largely from his improvisational skills, and if this album's anything to
go by this revolves around blowing over a steady groove, as opposed to anything
free-er. It's certainly not wild nor groundbreaking, and whilst it's
competent and well played it will suit a certain sort of improv fan who doesn't
like matters to get too left field.
From a personal perspective, the first
track, Sterope, is certainly my
favourite, starting as it does with some atmospheric, free playing before
settling into a groove for Greco and Rabuchin to play over.
There are some good moments throughout
the album, although the overall impression for me is that it's just a bit safe,
perhaps just too much of a laid-back, West Coast feel to it. Also (and
this is down to individual taste), I find Rabuchin's guitar tone to be just a
little over-processed. Decent player, but on this outing his sound's a
little too homogenized-LA.
Respect is due to the rhythm section;
Taba is solid throughout and Kay shows some real diversity to his playing on
both drums and congas.
Nevertheless, this is an interesting
album that I'd recommend you borrow rather than buy, and serves as a marker for
someone to look out for. It will be interesting to see (and hear) what
Chris Greco's up to these days, and should he come to a place anywhere near you
I'd say he's definitely worth a punt for the price of a ticket.
Those interested, please visit http://www.erjn.it/greco.
Trane
of Thought released March 19th 2013.
Les.
Les.
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