September 2012 - The New York City Jazz Record

Conduit
Greg Diamond (Dot Time)
by Sharon Mizrahi
Though Greg Diamond’s new release Conduit falls
under the Latin jazz genre, the distinction is more
categorical than descriptive. The guitarist’s style is a
smorgasbord of approaches both compositional and
aural, each as rejuvenating as the last.
Diamond collaborates with six musicians on the
album, but each track exudes the intuitive musical
chemistry of a trio or quartet. The introspective piece
“Inertia” illustrates the band’s powerful harmony. A
somber mood permeates the melody, first led by pianist
Mike Eckroth and tenor saxist Seamus Blake. The
latter’s brassy cries are slightly acidic, providing a
bright complement to Diamond’s mellower notes. And
at a moment’s notice, Eckroth restarts the tune with a
rock-inspired flair, set aflame by Diamond’s blaring
riffs. Percussionists Henry Cole and Mauricio Herrera
add an organic element to the mix, toning down the
fire without fizzling it out.
At a Joe’s Pub release concert last month, the vibe
turned even more immersive, especially in “El
Martillo”, Spanish for “the hammer”. The fast-paced
tune channeled effortless fluidity amid impressive
musical gymnastics, notably Diamond’s lightning duo
with tenor saxist Stacy Dillard (appearing in Blake’s
place). The two invigorated the space with their sinusclearing
energy, leading into Edward Perez’
surprisingly fierce bass solo. Eckroth shines in the
denser album version, where his chords agitate the
melody to gripping effect.
The band takes a few moments to meditate in “El
Pozo” (or “the well”). Diamond particularly sparks an
acoustic sensibility, stirring up a deep contrast to his
powerhouse approach. He unites with Eckroth, Cole
and Perez to craft a sublime aura that cleanses and
stimulates the musical palate. Once “Turbulence”
charges through, however, the band’s vivacity returns.
Diamond streaks the air with bolts of guitar while Cole
and Herrera shake up a percussive dust storm,
intensified by Brian Hogans’ alto sax slurs, until the
tempest settles several minutes later.
For more information, visit dottimerecords.com
LifeTimes
Brubeck Brothers Quartet (Blue Forest)
by Ken Dryden
Chris and Dan Brubeck have long made a powerful
rhythm section, though their recordings as The Brubeck
Brothers Quartet have been among their best work.
With honorary brothers guitarist Mike DeMicco and
pianist Chuck Lamb, the Brubecks have achieved a
tightly-knit group sound over their nine years together.
It’s not surprising that much of the repertoire has come
from their famous father’s band, as Chris and Dan
both toured and recorded with him for significant
stretches, in addition to being on call to fill as subs
after going out on their own.
The Dave Brubeck repertoire begins with his
constantly shifting “The Duke”, which Lamb reshaped
by adding a tense vamp and alternating between laidback
and uptempo sections. The quartet arranged the
remaining tracks. “Jazzanians” is the first of several
tunes to feature Chris overdubbed on bass trombone,
though the solo spotlight is stolen by Lamb and Dan.
The graceful rendition of “Kathy’s Waltz” (a salute to
their sister) has a lighthearted touch with swinging
solos by Lamb and DeMicco. Chris’ heartfelt bass
trombone is back as the lead voice in the bittersweet
ballad “My One Bad Habit”. The extended workout of
Paul Desmond’s “Take Five” is highlighted by Dan’s
skilled polyrhythmic solo, which he has perfected by
playing this jazz standard for over four decades.
The band also contributed originals to the date.
DeMicco’s “Prezcence” is a cooking workout based
upon the familiar “I Got Rhythm” chord changes,
showcasing his superb bop chops, followed by Lamb,
though Chris (on bass trombone) threatens to steal the
composer’s thunder with his boisterous solo. Lamb’s
two originals include the constantly shifting “Go
Round”, a new piece debuted in the studio during the
sessions, and the lively Latin-infused “The Girl From
Massapequa”.
For more information, visit brubeckmusic.com. This project
is at Iridium Sep. 30th. See Calendar.
THE NEW YORK CITY JAZZ RECORD | September 2012 37