Recorded live at Smalls Jazz Club in NYC back in 1996 the blurb describes it as an unforgettable performance that bears witness to the birth of a new musical era as Rosenwinkel and his ensemble deliver six dynamic compositions that would later shape the landscape of modern jazz.
Well they would say that wouldn't they? They, the writers, would be looking for alternative employment if they didn't. However, on this occasion I don't think anyone was holding a gun to their head. Judging by the applause the audience agreed with the appraisal. It is all that and more.
To my shame I've never heard Kurt Rosenwinkel live - I missed him at Sage Gateshead (as the Glasshouse was known in 2019) but Russell's review HERE suggests that his steps were keeping apace with jazz's ever-evolving advancement.
Rosenwinkel on this album proves he needs answer to no one just as he did on a 2012 duo album with Geri Allen reviewed earlier this year HERE.
Yes, he's certainly a fine guitarist but, he also plays mighty fine piano as proved on The Next Step. A rockolling, rollocking opus that, in a larger venue, would have had the patrons of Smalls boogieing all night long. Mark Turner, needless to say, is as ever at the front of le avante garde peloton yet even his most outré solos manage to keep within the bounds of sanity - just!
Whether soloing or driving the band Ballard is the man behind the wheel with Street the navigator negotiating the harmonic map. No 'Rhythm Changes' here.
Brad Mehldau pops in for a jam on Zhivago which adds an additional colour. Listen in colour seems to be one of the buzz-phrases of the moment. Anyone know what it means?
A Life Unfolds is perhaps my favourite track, it is also the most confusing. There is no voice listed on the info I received yet there is undoubtedly a wordless vocal on this track. Is it some electronic trickery (in 1996) or am I colourblind?
Whatever the answer this is still one of better historical issues and a must have for, well let's say, for anyone who appreciates good music of whatever shade. Lance
A Shifting Design; Use of Light; Zhivago; Alpha Mega; A Life Unfolds; The Next Step.
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