JAM Magazine: February/March 1996 Issue: For The Record

Bob Brookmeyer
PARIS SUITE
Challenge Records 70026

Personnel: Bob Brookmeyer, valve trombone; Kris Goessens, piano; Riccardo Del Fra, bass; Dre Pallemaerts, drums

Tracks: Amanda, Elle-Que, Chanson, Arp, Erik Satie, Airport Song, Gospel Song, Chaconne

Recorded at Studio 44, The Netherlands

Rarely does a recording come along that is a masterpiece on a multiplicity of levels: intellectual, emotional, perhaps even spiritual. Kansas City's own Bob Brookmeyer has recorded such an album. It is an album that will force you to listen intently, will send chills up your spine, and will even make you whoop. In short, Paris Suite is an album that contains some of the most powerfully sublime music to be heard in a very long time.

Brookmeyer's new quartet, which includes Bob on valve trombone, Kris Goessens on keyboards, Riccardo Del Fra on bass, and Dre Pallemaerts on drums, is assembled here for the first time. And it is the direct result of Brookmeyer's discovery of Goessens, who, as Bob says, has "an almost magical ability to relate to other players."

With this new band and this new CD, Bob Brookmeyer has arrived at the pinnacle of classical music in every sense of the word. The compositions are crafted with skill and love; the writing and improvisation are blended and merged; every work is a complete circle of inventiveness and creation. Also, each musician has plenty of solo space, and like accomplished composers, they rewrite every piece as they improvise. Every track leaves the listener with a sense of great satisfaction, remembered joy and excitement.

The music here is timelessly contemporary. Not since the trios of Bill Evans, the quartets of John Coltrane, and the quintets of Miles Davis, have musicians seemed so much of one mind or has the whole been so much more than the sums of the parts. And this is a first project together!

All compositions are by Bob or Kris (with the exception of one by Henning Berg) and all are gems. Taken as a whole, the music runs the gamut -- from Goessens' bluesy and lovely "Gospel Song," to Brookmeyer's Monk-ish "Erik Satie" and the serious groove of "Airport Song." (Goessens' synthesizer work on Berg's "Chaconne" transforms that sometimes frivolous electric toy into a musical instrument of powerful emotional expression.) To single out individual pieces, however, is to seriously slight the others, for each track of this remarkable set is, within its own parameters, the strongest possible musical statement.

As for the players themselves, each present stunning musical abilities. Brookmeyer plays and writes with the expected sensitive intellect. Del Fra and Pallemaerts constantly reach far beyond the role of accompanist to present not only outstanding chamber music, but -- especially in the case of Del Fra -- truly outstanding solos. And all of Brookmeyer's instincts regarding the abilities of Goessens are right on. He may be the most exciting young talent to appear in a long time. Both his writing and his playing have the sense and feel of an established master.

This is good stuff. Take off your shoes, turn down the lights, perhaps sip some fine wine, and listen. Again and again. You will not be disappointed.

-- John Leisenring

Laura Caviani
DREAMLIFE
IGMOD Records IG-49503-2

Personnel: Laura Caviani, piano; Terry Burns, bass; Jay Epstein, drums

Tracks: Second Chance, Dreamlife, What Is This Thing Called Love, Some Other Time, For Jan, August, Devil Dance, Past Regrets, Stella By Starlight, As A Child, Give Thanks

Recorded at Wild Sound, Minneapolis, MN

Pianist Laura Caviani is no stranger to Kansas City jazz fans. On a number of occasions in recent years, she has traveled south from her homebase of St. Paul, Minnesota, to sit in with singer Karrin Allyson in area clubs as well as on recordings.

Hearing Laura perform in the clubs with Allyson is always a treat, but there are the inevitable compromises involving chronic crowd noise, sound mix de jour and piano tuning of the moment. If you've ever wondered what she is capable of doing under optimum conditions, you will want to check out Dreamlife, her first studio recording as a leader. It's a winner from start to finish.

Included on Dreamlife is a good mix of Caviani originals and freshly arranged standards, most rendered in a trio setting with solid support from Terry Burns on bass and Jay Epstein on drums.

"Second Chance" and the title song "Dreamlife" -- both from the pen of the leader -- kick things off in style, the former a bright two-against-three jazz waltz, the latter a dreamy straight-eighth piece preceded by a dazzling yet pensive piano rubato. Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love" is taken at break-neck speed, the head nicely reharmonized and rhythmically reconstructed. The inclusion of Leonard Bernstein's lovely ballad "Some Other Time" was no doubt inspired by its appearance on Karrin Allyson's most recent album, Azure-Te' (where Caviani can be heard in the role of tasty accompanist).

"For Jan," an ECM-ish 3/4 written by trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, features an assertive solo from bassist Burns (who has frequent space throughout, much to the album's benefit). And "August" by Lyle Mays (from his 1988 release, Street Dreams) floats through the composer's simple yet alluring harmonic landscape with just the right metronomic cymbal work from a subdued Epstein (who quickly turns things around with a vibrant opening drum solo on the next cut, a 5/4 -- or 15/8 -- original called "Devil Dance").

Caviani's "Past Regrets" is one of the more soulful cuts on the album, with trio empathy and interplay at a collective high. And if you'd thought there wasn't much left to be done to the standard "Stella By Starlight," Caviani's polytonal, ostinato-laden solo version will make you think again. It's a tour de force whose improv section bubbles with unbridled spontaneity.

The album closes on a reflective note. "As a Child" gives players and listeners alike a chance to unwind a bit, and the folk hymn "Give Thanks" -- its tender melody played completely straight by bassist Burns -- is a fitting bookend for a rewarding musical journey.

Laura Caviani is a pianist/composer whose study of the language of jazz improvisation has resulted in a unique and identifiable voice. And the program that is Dreamlife is further evidence that she is an artist of significant potential.

It's tempting in any review to make comparisons and seek out influences (Keith, Chick and Lyle are all part of the brew here). But in the final analysis, Laura Caviani is an evolving synthesis of many sources of inspiration, not to mention an excellent pianist, an inventive arranger, and a composer with new things to say.

It all adds up to a thoroughly satisfying listening experience. And a bright future for a very fine musician.

-- Mike Metheny

Angela Hagenbach
MUSA NOVA
Amazon Records
ARCD 3940

Personnel: Angela Hagenbach, vocals, percussion; Joe Cartwright, piano, electric keyboard; Danny Embrey, guitars; James Jeffley, bass; Doug Auwarter, drums, percussion; Gary Helm, congas, percussion; Kim Park, flute (trk 10); Stan Kessler, trumpet (trk 6, 9)

Tracks: Night and Day, Amazonas, Papa Gato, Spring is Here, ... And SammyWalked In, Estate', Samba 88, Close Your Eyes, Faltando um Pedaco, Pe De Moleque, Wee

Recorded at Sound Trek Studios, Kansas City, MO

Jazz is not only one of the great inventions of American culture, but its influence continues to blend with the musics of many other lands. And vice versa. The group "Musa Nova" has captured this international mix with this, their self-titled debut album. It's an amalgamation of Latin jazz influences that, above all, showcases some of the Kansas City's finest jazz musicians.

Angela Hagenbach (whose album of more traditional jazz, Come Fly With Me, is also available on the Amazon label), provides the vocals here. Her voice is a perfect match for the Latin rhythms that permeate this CD. Of particular note is a sizzling remake of Cole Porter's classic "Night and Day." (A video of this track has received play on KCPT, Kansas City's public television station.)

There is a solid mix of vocal and instrumental tracks on Musa Nova, and two of the eleven are standouts. "Papa Gato," takes the listener on a sunny vacation to a Caribbean island. And "Estate'" -- the classic written by ???? -- features the sparkling piano work of Joe Cartwright.

For many, jazz is a type of music that is best experienced live. But Musa Nova has produced an album that more than captures the excitement and energy of a live performance. It's a nearly perfect blend of instrumentals and vocals that makes the album accessible and just plain fun to listen to.

With Musa Nova, Angela Hagenbach and friends have created an album that music fans of all stripes will enjoy.

-- Bart Swartz

Frank Mantooth
SOPHISTICATED LADY
Sea Breeze Records SB-2074

Personnel: Howie Smith, Kim Park, Chris Lega, Jim Massoth, alto saxophones; Pete Christlieb, Pat LaBarbara, Steve Eisen, tenor saxophones; Nick Brignola, Glenn Kostur, bari saxophone; Pat LaBarbara, soprano saxophone; Bobby Shew, Roger Ingram, Danny Barber, Art Davis, Marvin Stamm, Steve Jensen, Allen Johnson, Randy Brecker, Orbert Davis, trumpets; Steve Wiest, Scott Bliege, Tom Garling, Paul McKee, Mark Bettcher, Tom Matta, Mike Young, trombones; Matt Harris, Frank Mantooth, piano & synths; John McLean, guitar; Bob Bowman, Kelly Sill, bass; Steve Houghton, Bob Rummage, drums; Alejo Poveda, percussion; Kevin Mahogany, vocals; Jon Boen, French horn; Adrian Gola, Benita Barber, violins; Jeanette Simmons, viola; Bill Simmons, cello; Marcia LaBella, harp

Tracks: The Messenger, Centerpiece, Sophisticated Lady, The Louie Shuffle, One For My Baby, Moment's Notice, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, It Don't Mean a Thing, The Messenger, We'll Be Together Again

Recorded at Tone Zone Studio, Chicago, IL

Frank Mantooth has done it again. This new CD features a superb big band playing absolutely top-notch compositions and arrangements. Of the ten tracks on this release, seven are composed and/or arranged by Mantooth.

Frank's swinging chart on the Harry "Sweets" Edison/Jon Hendrick's classic "Centerpiece" features two of Kansas City's favorite sons: vocalist Kevin Mahogany, and alto saxophonist (and harmony vocalist on this track) Kim Park. Bobby Shew's great trumpet work is also featured here.

A bossa nova-flavored treatment of Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady" is a showcase for the exciting baritone work of Nick Brignola and it also features trombonist Tom Garling.
"The Louie Shuffle" is a work that was commissioned by the great drummer Louie Bellson. This track again features Bobby Shew on trumpet, as well as another superb jazz musician out of Kansas City, bassist Bob Bowman.

One of my favorite ballads, "One For My Baby" by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, brings Kevin Mahogany back for another vocal while spotlighting one of the finest tenor saxophonists in jazz, Pete Christlieb.

Yet another commission for Mantooth is his chart on John Coltrane's "Moment's Notice." This jazz standard features Paul McKee's always-swinging trombone, Pat LaBarbara on tenor sax, Randy Brecker's trumpet, and the fine drumming of Bob Rummage. I'm sure this arrangement will end up on many a big band's want list.

Next, Frank has arranged one of the most beautiful of all popular songs, "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square." This chart features Tom Matta on bass trombone and some terrific trumpet work from Marvin Stamm.

The final Mantooth arrangement is the lovely standard, "We'll Be Together Again, composed by singer Frankie Laine and his longtime accompanist, the late Carl Fischer. Frank's reworking of this classic utilizes lush strings and a glorious tenor solo by Christlieb.

Rounding out the program on this CD are two different readings of trombonist McKee's original composition/arrangement, "The Messenger," plus a fine Matt Harris chart on Duke's "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing." Featured on "The Messenger" are Pat LaBarbera, soprano sax, Matt Harris, piano, and Steve Houghton, drums. Bobby Shew plays the trumpet solo on the first version, Randy Brecker on the second. "It Don't Mean a Thing..." features Kevin Mahogany on vocals, Pete Christlieb on tenor, and Danny Barker on trumpet.

There is no question that Frank Mantooth is one of the truly outstanding composers and arrangers on today's jazz scene. And this latest CD is big band writing at its best. With the outstanding personnel in this band, and the brilliant soloists scattered throughout the different tracks, this can't help but be one of the top big band releases of the year.

-- Dick Wright

RETURN TO FEBRUARY/MARCH 1996 MAIN INDEX

----------------------------------------------------------------© Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-99. All rights reserved.






	Search our site:		Bob Brookmeyer PARIS SUITE Challenge Records 70026 Personnel: Bob Brookmeyer, valve trombone; Kris Goessens, piano; Riccardo Del Fra, bass; Dre Pallemaerts, drums Tracks: Amanda, Elle-Que, Chanson, Arp, Erik Satie, Airport Song, Gospel Song, Chaconne Recorded at Studio 44, The Netherlands Rarely does a recording come along that is a masterpiece on a multiplicity of levels: intellectual, emotional, perhaps even spiritual. Kansas City's own Bob Brookmeyer has recorded such an album. It is an album that will force you to listen intently, will send chills up your spine, and will even make you whoop. In short, Paris Suite is an album that contains some of the most powerfully sublime music to be heard in a very long time. Brookmeyer's new quartet, which includes Bob on valve trombone, Kris Goessens on keyboards, Riccardo Del Fra on bass, and Dre Pallemaerts on drums, is assembled here for the first time. And it is the direct result of Brookmeyer's discovery of Goessens, who, as Bob says, has "an almost magical ability to relate to other players." With this new band and this new CD, Bob Brookmeyer has arrived at the pinnacle of classical music in every sense of the word. The compositions are crafted with skill and love; the writing and improvisation are blended and merged; every work is a complete circle of inventiveness and creation. Also, each musician has plenty of solo space, and like accomplished composers, they rewrite every piece as they improvise. Every track leaves the listener with a sense of great satisfaction, remembered joy and excitement. The music here is timelessly contemporary. Not since the trios of Bill Evans, the quartets of John Coltrane, and the quintets of Miles Davis, have musicians seemed so much of one mind or has the whole been so much more than the sums of the parts. And this is a first project together! All compositions are by Bob or Kris (with the exception of one by Henning Berg) and all are gems. Taken as a whole, the music runs the gamut -- from Goessens' bluesy and lovely "Gospel Song," to Brookmeyer's Monk-ish "Erik Satie" and the serious groove of "Airport Song." (Goessens' synthesizer work on Berg's "Chaconne" transforms that sometimes frivolous electric toy into a musical instrument of powerful emotional expression.) To single out individual pieces, however, is to seriously slight the others, for each track of this remarkable set is, within its own parameters, the strongest possible musical statement. As for the players themselves, each present stunning musical abilities. Brookmeyer plays and writes with the expected sensitive intellect. Del Fra and Pallemaerts constantly reach far beyond the role of accompanist to present not only outstanding chamber music, but -- especially in the case of Del Fra -- truly outstanding solos. And all of Brookmeyer's instincts regarding the abilities of Goessens are right on. He may be the most exciting young talent to appear in a long time. Both his writing and his playing have the sense and feel of an established master. This is good stuff. Take off your shoes, turn down the lights, perhaps sip some fine wine, and listen. Again and again. You will not be disappointed. -- John Leisenring Laura Caviani DREAMLIFE IGMOD Records IG-49503-2 Personnel: Laura Caviani, piano; Terry Burns, bass; Jay Epstein, drums Tracks: Second Chance, Dreamlife, What Is This Thing Called Love, Some Other Time, For Jan, August, Devil Dance, Past Regrets, Stella By Starlight, As A Child, Give Thanks Recorded at Wild Sound, Minneapolis, MN Pianist Laura Caviani is no stranger to Kansas City jazz fans. On a number of occasions in recent years, she has traveled south from her homebase of St. Paul, Minnesota, to sit in with singer Karrin Allyson in area clubs as well as on recordings. Hearing Laura perform in the clubs with Allyson is always a treat, but there are the inevitable compromises involving chronic crowd noise, sound mix de jour and piano tuning of the moment. If you've ever wondered what she is capable of doing under optimum conditions, you will want to check out Dreamlife, her first studio recording as a leader. It's a winner from start to finish. Included on Dreamlife is a good mix of Caviani originals and freshly arranged standards, most rendered in a trio setting with solid support from Terry Burns on bass and Jay Epstein on drums. "Second Chance" and the title song "Dreamlife" -- both from the pen of the leader -- kick things off in style, the former a bright two-against-three jazz waltz, the latter a dreamy straight-eighth piece preceded by a dazzling yet pensive piano rubato. Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love" is taken at break-neck speed, the head nicely reharmonized and rhythmically reconstructed. The inclusion of Leonard Bernstein's lovely ballad "Some Other Time" was no doubt inspired by its appearance on Karrin Allyson's most recent album, Azure-Te' (where Caviani can be heard in the role of tasty accompanist). "For Jan," an ECM-ish 3/4 written by trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, features an assertive solo from bassist Burns (who has frequent space throughout, much to the album's benefit). And "August" by Lyle Mays (from his 1988 release, Street Dreams) floats through the composer's simple yet alluring harmonic landscape with just the right metronomic cymbal work from a subdued Epstein (who quickly turns things around with a vibrant opening drum solo on the next cut, a 5/4 -- or 15/8 -- original called "Devil Dance"). Caviani's "Past Regrets" is one of the more soulful cuts on the album, with trio empathy and interplay at a collective high. And if you'd thought there wasn't much left to be done to the standard "Stella By Starlight," Caviani's polytonal, ostinato-laden solo version will make you think again. It's a tour de force whose improv section bubbles with unbridled spontaneity. The album closes on a reflective note. "As a Child" gives players and listeners alike a chance to unwind a bit, and the folk hymn "Give Thanks" -- its tender melody played completely straight by bassist Burns -- is a fitting bookend for a rewarding musical journey. Laura Caviani is a pianist/composer whose study of the language of jazz improvisation has resulted in a unique and identifiable voice. And the program that is Dreamlife is further evidence that she is an artist of significant potential. It's tempting in any review to make comparisons and seek out influences (Keith, Chick and Lyle are all part of the brew here). But in the final analysis, Laura Caviani is an evolving synthesis of many sources of inspiration, not to mention an excellent pianist, an inventive arranger, and a composer with new things to say. It all adds up to a thoroughly satisfying listening experience. And a bright future for a very fine musician. -- Mike Metheny Angela Hagenbach MUSA NOVA Amazon Records ARCD 3940 Personnel: Angela Hagenbach, vocals, percussion; Joe Cartwright, piano, electric keyboard; Danny Embrey, guitars; James Jeffley, bass; Doug Auwarter, drums, percussion; Gary Helm, congas, percussion; Kim Park, flute (trk 10); Stan Kessler, trumpet (trk 6, 9) Tracks: Night and Day, Amazonas, Papa Gato, Spring is Here, ... And SammyWalked In, Estate', Samba 88, Close Your Eyes, Faltando um Pedaco, Pe De Moleque, Wee Recorded at Sound Trek Studios, Kansas City, MO Jazz is not only one of the great inventions of American culture, but its influence continues to blend with the musics of many other lands. And vice versa. The group "Musa Nova" has captured this international mix with this, their self-titled debut album. It's an amalgamation of Latin jazz influences that, above all, showcases some of the Kansas City's finest jazz musicians. Angela Hagenbach (whose album of more traditional jazz, Come Fly With Me, is also available on the Amazon label), provides the vocals here. Her voice is a perfect match for the Latin rhythms that permeate this CD. Of particular note is a sizzling remake of Cole Porter's classic "Night and Day." (A video of this track has received play on KCPT, Kansas City's public television station.) There is a solid mix of vocal and instrumental tracks on Musa Nova, and two of the eleven are standouts. "Papa Gato," takes the listener on a sunny vacation to a Caribbean island. And "Estate'" -- the classic written by ???? -- features the sparkling piano work of Joe Cartwright. For many, jazz is a type of music that is best experienced live. But Musa Nova has produced an album that more than captures the excitement and energy of a live performance. It's a nearly perfect blend of instrumentals and vocals that makes the album accessible and just plain fun to listen to. With Musa Nova, Angela Hagenbach and friends have created an album that music fans of all stripes will enjoy. -- Bart Swartz Frank Mantooth SOPHISTICATED LADY Sea Breeze Records SB-2074 Personnel: Howie Smith, Kim Park, Chris Lega, Jim Massoth, alto saxophones; Pete Christlieb, Pat LaBarbara, Steve Eisen, tenor saxophones; Nick Brignola, Glenn Kostur, bari saxophone; Pat LaBarbara, soprano saxophone; Bobby Shew, Roger Ingram, Danny Barber, Art Davis, Marvin Stamm, Steve Jensen, Allen Johnson, Randy Brecker, Orbert Davis, trumpets; Steve Wiest, Scott Bliege, Tom Garling, Paul McKee, Mark Bettcher, Tom Matta, Mike Young, trombones; Matt Harris, Frank Mantooth, piano & synths; John McLean, guitar; Bob Bowman, Kelly Sill, bass; Steve Houghton, Bob Rummage, drums; Alejo Poveda, percussion; Kevin Mahogany, vocals; Jon Boen, French horn; Adrian Gola, Benita Barber, violins; Jeanette Simmons, viola; Bill Simmons, cello; Marcia LaBella, harp Tracks: The Messenger, Centerpiece, Sophisticated Lady, The Louie Shuffle, One For My Baby, Moment's Notice, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, It Don't Mean a Thing, The Messenger, We'll Be Together Again Recorded at Tone Zone Studio, Chicago, IL Frank Mantooth has done it again. This new CD features a superb big band playing absolutely top-notch compositions and arrangements. Of the ten tracks on this release, seven are composed and/or arranged by Mantooth. Frank's swinging chart on the Harry "Sweets" Edison/Jon Hendrick's classic "Centerpiece" features two of Kansas City's favorite sons: vocalist Kevin Mahogany, and alto saxophonist (and harmony vocalist on this track) Kim Park. Bobby Shew's great trumpet work is also featured here. A bossa nova-flavored treatment of Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady" is a showcase for the exciting baritone work of Nick Brignola and it also features trombonist Tom Garling. "The Louie Shuffle" is a work that was commissioned by the great drummer Louie Bellson. This track again features Bobby Shew on trumpet, as well as another superb jazz musician out of Kansas City, bassist Bob Bowman. One of my favorite ballads, "One For My Baby" by Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, brings Kevin Mahogany back for another vocal while spotlighting one of the finest tenor saxophonists in jazz, Pete Christlieb. Yet another commission for Mantooth is his chart on John Coltrane's "Moment's Notice." This jazz standard features Paul McKee's always-swinging trombone, Pat LaBarbara on tenor sax, Randy Brecker's trumpet, and the fine drumming of Bob Rummage. I'm sure this arrangement will end up on many a big band's want list. Next, Frank has arranged one of the most beautiful of all popular songs, "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square." This chart features Tom Matta on bass trombone and some terrific trumpet work from Marvin Stamm. The final Mantooth arrangement is the lovely standard, "We'll Be Together Again, composed by singer Frankie Laine and his longtime accompanist, the late Carl Fischer. Frank's reworking of this classic utilizes lush strings and a glorious tenor solo by Christlieb. Rounding out the program on this CD are two different readings of trombonist McKee's original composition/arrangement, "The Messenger," plus a fine Matt Harris chart on Duke's "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing." Featured on "The Messenger" are Pat LaBarbera, soprano sax, Matt Harris, piano, and Steve Houghton, drums. Bobby Shew plays the trumpet solo on the first version, Randy Brecker on the second. "It Don't Mean a Thing..." features Kevin Mahogany on vocals, Pete Christlieb on tenor, and Danny Barker on trumpet. There is no question that Frank Mantooth is one of the truly outstanding composers and arrangers on today's jazz scene. And this latest CD is big band writing at its best. With the outstanding personnel in this band, and the brilliant soloists scattered throughout the different tracks, this can't help but be one of the top big band releases of the year. -- Dick Wright RETURN TO FEBRUARY/MARCH 1996 MAIN INDEX ----------------------------------------------------------------© Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors 1996-99. All rights reserved.