Jim Kaczmarek (tenor/ soprano saxes); Scott Mertens (piano,
keyboards); Donn DeSanto (string bass); Rick Vitek (drums, cymbals,
doumbek); Victor Garcia (trumpet) + Raphael Crawford (trombone tk 6)
It has been six years since the release of their first celebrated album, Event Horizon (GRB Records, 2020). Now with Consternation the quartet is back on the scene and is locked and loaded. The album offers thirteen original selections from the pens of Jim Kaczmarek and Scott Mertens. The fare here is eclectic and enjoyable with both straight-ahead jazz and more textural offerings. The puckish spirit of the quartet is vividly apparent throughout the entire recording.
Spring
Was Here is a sly take on the title of Rodgers and
Hart’s Spring Is Here. This spring is a lively bossa with Kaczmarek’s
soprano soaring over the rhythm section’s bed. Scott Mertens offers a slick
piano solo. Rick Vitek’s kit offers an extended intro before Consternation,
the title track, hits as a quirky-jerky melody in five, offered by Kaczmarek. Oddly
beautiful in its angularity, Scott Mertens’ Rhodes adding seasoning to this penta-gumbo.
Tumbling After, a triple-metered swinger with piano then soprano stating
the melody over the rhythm bed. It is a thought-provoking track. Ballad Di Sienna
is a morose and languishing ballad tone poem with shades of Monk via its interesting
chord progressions. Kaczmarek’s resonant tenor sings throughout. Going Home
is an exotic melody with odd melodic similarities to Bésame Mucho,
perfect for soprano sax. Mertens’ improv covers brief motifs that splash into
longer lines. JC in the Club has trumpeter Victor Garcia and trombonist Raphael
Crawford joining in the Latin-tinged melody with John Coltrane’s Naima as
inspiration. Garcia delivers a fine solo with Woody Shaw overtones. Things
burst into a straight-ahead groove for Kaczmarek’s burning tenor. This is a
highlight and very inspired track.
Throughout
the recording there’s a ton of childlike joy expressed in every manner. One can
discern that these four fine musicians thoroughly enjoy each other’s company
and share a common jazz vision. The compositions here are marvelous platforms that
are simple, intriguing and deceptively sophisticated. The solos across the date
are fascinating examples of skilled improv with more modern approaches. As an
ensemble, the group is stellar. The time-team of bassist DeSanto and drummer,
Rick Vitek prompt things along with a white-hot jazz-prod.
I
Have No Idea is a funkish boogaloo with a six-note
melody over what I’d call “Charlie Brown chords.” Kaczmarek’s sax is thoroughly
effervescent and Mertens serves up a tasty solo in Guaraldi high style. This is
a really fun cut worthy of loops. Please provides Kaczmarek a melody
that drips and slides pitch to pitch. It is a darker, somber portrait. A free
take, Prattle Away turns into a burner with sax and keys unisoned.
Bassist DeSanto burns as Vitek drives a mad bus and Mertens sends up his best solo
on the session. On Spit It Out the team delivers Mertens’ shorter melody
before the composer stretches out in a speedball. This is a cooker. A pyramidic
chord build and free canon launch The Dane Effect, before things turn
swing. Mertens burns a nifty solo while DiSanto and Vitek stoke. Fourthwith
ends the session with Mertens on Rhodes doing the intervallic melody a la Monk.
Kaczmarek’s muscular tenor rides on. DeSanto thumbs a fine ride. A killer
closer.
Consternation delivers the goods. It is a rollicking, spirted foray offering superlative compositional platforms, inspired improvisation and engaged communication. It belies the definition of the term consternation – anxiety or dismay – and is a thoroughly satisfying, upbeat romp. Nick Mondello
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