Andrew DiRuzza (gtr/comp); Robert Espe (ten); Michael Jarvey (keys); Blake Shaw (bs); Marcelo Cardoso (dms).
(Review by Lance).
Jazz is an ever evolving art form and, whilst I don't always go along with some of the directions it takes, there are those who press onward and upward without losing the plot. Shapes and Analogies is just such an example. DiRuzza states that his objective was to to produce a refreshing, yet familiar sound, reminiscent of past and present influences in jazz.
I think he succeeded. The music is, at times, verging on the futuristic and yet, if say Lennie Tristano had been around today his music may well have bore more than a passing resemblance to DiRuzza's compositions.
Conjecture of course.
The guitarist is a fluent soloist taking the harmonic patterns in his stride - well he would wouldn't he? You don't invent a game to get beat at it!
Espe also slots in easily and he didn't write the tunes! Like DiRuzza, Jarvey and Shaw he is from Iowa (Cardoso is from Brazil) and, on the strength of his playing here, he should be in New York!
Having said that, jazz players of international standard can be found just about anywhere in the civilised world these days so maybe Iowa is the place to be.
A very listenable album.
Lance.
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