Label: 577 Records, 2021
Personnel - Leo Genovese: piano; Sean Conly: acoustic bass; Francisco Mela: drums.
Sean Conly, a coveted and probing avant-garde jazz bassist, not only has been an important piece in projects led by saxophonists Darius Jones and Gregory Tardy as well as pianists Mara Rosenbloom and Johannes Wallman, but also has forged his path as a leader, usually in the company of altoist Michael Attias, a frequent collaborator.
The Buzz marks his debut on the Brooklyn label 577 Records, and features two new musical partners who have played/recorded many times together before: the Argentinian pianist Leo Genovese (Esperanza Spalding, Leni Stern) and the Cuban drummer Francisco Mela (McCoy Tyner, Joe Lovano).
The album's first two tracks, “The Jake Leg” and “Good Idea”, share the same thematic concept centered on a strong melodic expression that repeats as the views expand with generous openness. Following an elusive form that consolidates composed ideas and texture-minded improvisation, the trio nearly swings on the former piece, whereas on the latter we hear Conly speaking confidently and engaging with Genovese in synergistic agreement.
There are sliding intervallic bass motions that go well with Mela’s Latin-tinge drumming on “In the Stretch”, where, at a later time, bass and piano assume absolute control of the rhythmic emphasis with congruous low-pitched tones. As is the case here, Mela also brings his percussive work to the fore on “From C to Sea”, a lilting, animated piece with a bass statement upfront.
Conly, Genovese and Mela are here to support each other; and “The Buzz”, which emulates the verve of living in New York City, validates that notion. Nonetheless, it’s Genovese’s bold piano playing that stands out on this one.
“Sweetie Pie” is candidly narrated with a little vulnerability lurking around the edges, but the prize for the most beautiful sound goes to the concluding track, a rendition of Stephen Sondheim’s 1973 ballad “Send in the Clowns”.
The Buzz doesn’t transcend nor disappoints. Its pieces may not immediately catch our senses but repeated listenings allow us to locate more signposts of tension and release, pushing us to better interpret the trio’s highly intuitive form of playing.
B
Favorite Tracks:
03 - In the Stretch ► 07 - Sweetie Pie ► 10 - Send in the Clowns