Andrew Rathbun, Gary Versace, John Hebert, Tom Rainey: The Speed Of Time

Contemporary Jazz / Modern Creative
premiera polska: 2024-04-17
kontynent: Ameryka Północna
kraj: USA
opakowanie: Jewelcaseowe etui
opis:
Editorial Reviews
On all his 10 SteepleChase albums including this quartet recording Andrew Rathbun the composer-arranger is the major component giving each album a distinct musical as well as philosophical concept. 'The Speed Of Time' is about his unique perception of time during and after the pandemic era, which he describes eloquently in his liner notes.
"Since his debut as a leader in 1999, Andrew Rathbun has developed into one of the compelling saxophonists and composers of his generation." - Ken Dryden, The New York City Jazz Record

All About Jazz * * * *
Not one to avoid concepts and ambitious outings, Andrew Rathbun's to-date masterpiece, The Atwood Suites (Origin Records, 2018), explored the poetry of his countrywoman, writer Margaret Atwood. In 2023, he tackles time.
Time is a funny thing. Its perceived speed is malleable. It tends toward an increasing velocity as one moves into middle age and beyond. It can crawl at a snail's pace (during a root canal treatment, for example) and it can race ahead with wild abandon—that raucous party under the stars around the swimming pool when the good cheer is flowing on a tidal bore of beer and wine. The Canadian saxophonist's 2023 release, The Speed of Time, an all-Rathbun batch of originals, uses the standard jazz quartet—a saxophone and a rhythm section—to examine the slippery concept.
First, familiarity with the backstory and the thoughts that inspired the music are not necessary. This is inspired by modern jazz in a quartet setting by four seasoned journeymen—Gary Versace on piano, John Hébert on bass and Tom Rainey in the drummer's chair—like Dexter Gordon or Sonny Rollins used to make. Or, to bring things into the now—like saxophonists George Garzone or Virginia Mayhew make. Rathbun's tone is burnished, ringing and resonant. His articulation brings up unexpected phrasings. The title tune, that opens the disc, rides in on Hebert's implacable bass lines. Time is moving ahead at a brisk pace that pauses for Versace's sweet and lovely piano declaration, before a shift into a torrid horn/bass/drums segment. Versace sneaks back in with some spare chording. Momentum gathers.
On the other hand, "Could It Be" moves ahead at the pace of the flow of molasses in a Toronto winter. It is dark, the atmosphere foreboding. Rathbun's tenor sax is anguished. "Wandering?" finds Rathbun on his soprano sax, searching, time perhaps suspended, and "Tooth and Nail" sounds like a band of brothers scuffling down the alleyway on Rainy's ramshackle drums, throwing elbows and jockeying for position for—what? Who knows. Time bumping and stumbling ahead, Rathbun sounding like the voice of reason in the melee.
An excellent album that can sit nicely on the shelf beside some of the great ones by Rollins and Gordon.
By Dan McClenaghan

JAZZ VIEWS
Rathbun performs in the post-bop jazz genre, yet his music is informed by classical composition. The CD is his latest from Steeplechase and is produced, mixed, and mastered by the renowned Nils Winther. The sound on this DDD recording is clean and crisp. Rathbun is a unique voice on saxophone with a style and sound of his own. He has assembled a crack band that complements his stylings perfectly and offers much to the astute listener. After recording for over twenty years, it is time for him to receive more acclaim for his playing and his compositions.
All of the band members are important players on the New York scene having worked together for an extended period.
They breathe life into this set of Rathbun compositions. Taken as a group and as individuals, they are accomplished talented musicians. We are fortunate to have this recording to delve into their talents.
“Speed of Time” starts with Rathbun playing over a tight beat with the saxophone and piano echoing each other as the song unfolds. Rathbun proceeds to run through changes as the rhythm section drives the tune along.
The piano takes an interlude with strong support by bass and drums. Rathbun returns to the theme summarizing it over great cymbal work.
“Could It Be” starts with a pensive piano solo. A melancholy series of phrases states a subdued mood. Rathbun enters with a stately solo with probing notes over the bedrock of the band. Rathbun has total control over the saxophone playing without any vibrato.
“Widen the Doorway” sounds like Rathbun opened a door to a room filled with musical ideas led by his piano. Versace is an inventive pianist coaxing the music and the bassist and drummer.
Rathbun performs a brief acapella solo. Drummer Rainey shines on this tune with his elastic drumming.
“Wandering” is a soprano saxophone piece, reminiscent of Wayne Shorter. The melody is through composed with a thoughtful bass solo after the opening. The bassist plays with and against the drummer followed by the pianist slowly turning it into a piece for the whole band.
On “Fast Fifth” the pianist plays a series of fifths but Rathbun adds a note each time during the cycle giving the melody a slight ambiguity. The rhythm section provides the pulse of the song as the saxophone and piano dance about the striking melody.
“Velocity Unknown” was written to “… evoke the idea of speeding through life/time/space without really realizing how fast you are traveling.” The song proceeds slowly as the saxophone and piano proceed probing the tunes melody. The piece was written a few years ago and composer Rathbun felt the band was up to the task of improvising on it.
“Still a Thing is a more upbeat swinging piece featuring Rathbun on both saxes. The band plays the melody with ample space for each to solo. Simply put a great song. This might be my favourite of the album.
This album focuses on inspired jazz that is appealing to all listeners. According to AllAboutJazz: “Andrew Rathbun is an artist who takes chances with his recordings. You don’t hear any paint-by-the-numbers jazz discs from him.” I couldn’t agree more. This CD is no exception.
by Ed Sapiega

muzycy:
Andrew Rathbun: tenor & soprano saxophone
Gary Versace: piano
John Hebert: bass
Tom Rainey: drums

utwory:
1. The Speed Of Time
2. Could It Be
3. Widen The Doorway
4. Wandering
5. Fast 5th
6. Velocity Unknown
7. Still A Thing
8. Tooth And Nail

wydano: September 2023
nagrano: Recorded October 2022

more info2: www.andrewrathbun.com