Label: NotTwo Records, 2019
Personnel - Jeb Bishop: trombone; Russ Johnson: trumpet; Jason Roebke: bass; Frank Rosaly: drums.
In order to outline his newest CD, Re-Collect, sure-footed trombonist and improviser Jeb Bishop summoned like-minded musicians such as trumpeter Russ Johnson, bassist Jason Roebke, and drummer Frank Rosaly. This album is replete with extended improvisational rides and features six tracks recorded live in Chicago in 2015.
The opener, “Exordium-Salt”, offers 20 minutes of variegated character within the well-defined structural blocks that define it. There are creatively disjointed sounds that later converge into unisons hold by fluid, swinging ripples, fine improvisations set against different rhythmic backgrounds, and a groove that demonstrates how malleable and lightweight this quartet can be.
The 18-minute “Sweet The Grub/On The Floor” has an encouragingly active bass persuading the others instruments to join its frantic propulsion. The dynamics are established with intelligence, and Roebke, boasting a potent round sound, deserves a solo moment. The sobriety of the last segment comes wrapped in beauty, and it all ends with the groovy theme.
The Dolphy-esque “Razorlip” carries expressive parallel movements and contrapuntal motifs before highlighting Bishop and Johnson in a sparking dialogue. There are swinging parts and reverent silences broke by resolute drum chops.
If “Lungfish” is pressurized with excitement and buoyancy, especially during the experimental fringe of the soloists, then the quartet dives with pleasure into the softly brushed, melody-centered ballad “Sometimes” before closing out the album with “Backfire”, another profuse avant-garde stretch with a colorful swinging tapestry for Bishop to walk through. Conversely, Johnson delivers his speech with zest against a background of snare drum irruptions caused by Rosaly, who is also called to speak out loud.
Re-Collect lives from the tremendous dynamics and obliquities created by four explorative artists whose great ears and sonic integration are much appreciated. Avant-gardists have in this recording something consistently strong to indulge in.
Grade A-
Favorite Tracks:
02 - Sweet The Grub/On The Floor ► 03 - Razorlip ► 04 - Lungfish