Reading the sub title - Jazz for my Grandchildren - my initial response was a measured "Aaah..." before moving on to more verdant pastures. However, a twinge of guilt halted my departure. Let's face it, if Stein has taken the trouble to write music for his grandkids then the least I could do was to listen, and I'm pleased that I did!
Five family related tunes and six jazz standards made for a pleasing mix.
AJ, composed with one of his energetic granddaughters in mind. A driving, minor blues from which the young lady's energy bursts forth. Kai relates to his eldest grandson who is a member of his school's track team. Needless to say, like Kai, it's fast.
Stein's youngest granddaughter Ellie is, we're told, a bright and bubbly two-year-old and the tune reflects this endearing quality. Lidiana, another granddaughter, displays a calm intelligence that is reflected in the easy going bossa rhythm laid down by the trio. Elyas, grandson number two, seemingly is a cocky young man represented by the cool, swinging lines of the arrangement.
The standards are tasty versions of Lover Man, Star Eyes, Misterioso, Steve Swallow's jazz waltz, Hello Bolinas, Wes Montgomery's Road Song and, given the album's concept, the appropriately titled Wayne Shorter composition, Infant Eyes.
Next Gen isn't an album that's going to change the course of the world but nor is it one to be bypassed as I almost did - not if you like swinging, understated guitar playing, tasteful bass guitar and sympatico drumming that is, or if you have grandkids of your own. Lance
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