Russell Kranes, Alex Levine, Sam Weber, Jay Sawyer: Anchor Points

Mainstream Jazz / Straightahaed
premiera polska: 2024-10-09
kontynent: Ameryka Północna
kraj: USA
opakowanie: Digisleeveowe etui
opis:
Editor's Info
Since meeting through the New York City jazz scene a decade ago, pianist Russell Kranes, bassist Sam Weber, guitarist Alex Levine, and drummer Jay Sawyer have performed together for thousands of hours across a multitude of musical contexts, developing chemistry and a deep collective musical identity. With their debut recording Anchor Points, they deliver a mix of originals and standards in two iterations of the group - through a trio set of piano/bass/guitar, a nod to the trios of Oscar Peterson and Nat King Cole, as well as the instrumentation that initially brought them together, and the quartet, where Jay Sawyer adds his jubilant swing. Besides capturing and celebrating years of musical camaraderie and connection, the quartet pays homage to the masters and builds upon their profound tradition.

Jazz Weekly
The co-op quartet of Russell Kranes/p, Alex Levine/g, Sam Weber/b and Jay Sawyer/dr deliver mellow madness to a mix of standards and an original here and there. Sawyer sits out for a bit to let Levine and Weber get into a delicate mood on "I'll Get By", with the latter stretch out a bit, and for the former to give an aria on a fragrant "Two Sleepy People". Sawyer's brushes assuage the simmering "Anchor Points", with his sticks swinging to Levine's Kenny Burrell-influenced solos as on the nifty "Feint" and relaxed "Vivo Sonhando". Kranes brings in Chopinesque class to "Old Folks" and is nimble on "And So It Goes". Subtle sophistication.

All About Jazz * * * *
No leader is given on Anchor Points, simply the names of the four musicians who comprise the group on its debut recording. This is truly a co-op enterprise by jazz artists who have been performing together for a number of years in and around the New York City area.
The studio session is divided roughly in half, with four numbers by a quartet balancing four others by a drummerless trio, a nod to similar groups once led by Oscar Peterson and Nat King Cole. Either way, the outcome is splendid, and even though drummer Jay Sawyer is impressive, his presence is barely missed on the trio numbers, as guitarist Alex Levine and bassist Sam Weber handle the rhythmic assignment with assurance.
To sum up, the quartet performs on Weber's "Feint," Levine's "Anchor Points," the Willard Robison standard "Old Folks" and pianist Russell Kranes' lively "Everybody Else But You;" the trio performs on Antonio Carlos Jobim's ballad "Viva Sonhando," the standards "Two Sleepy People" and "I'll Get By," and Billy Joel's rhapsodic "And So It Goes," which rings down the curtain. As every member of the ensemble is a seasoned musician, each number is given maximal care and attention.
Levine's guitar is tasteful and clear, as is Kranes' piano, while Weber and Sawyer stay the course without needless fuss or bother. Sawyer solos smartly on "Everybody Else," Weber on "And So It Goes" and "I'll Get By." If there is a downside (one with which other listeners may readily disagree), it is that the group favors cool at the expense of heat; only"Feint" and "Everybody Else" are taken at a more than moderate tempo. On the other hand, every track has its own distinct pleasures, and Anchor Points serves as an excellent introduction to Messrs. Kranes, Levine, Weber and Sawyer.

muzycy:
Russell Kranes - piano
Alex Levine - guitar
Sam Weber - bass
Jay Sawyer - drums (1,3,4,7)

utwory:
1. Feint 5:57 (Weber)
2. Vivo Sonhando 6:38 (A. C. Jobim, arr. Kranes)
3. Anchor Points 7:42 (Levine)
4. Old Folks 5:31 (Robison & Hill, arr. Levine)
5. Two Sleepy People 5:58 (Carmichael & Loesser, arr. Levine)
6. I'll Get By (As Long As I Have You) 6:15 (Ahlert & Turk, arr. Levine)
7. Everybody Else But You 6:28 (Kranes)
8. And So It Goes 7:06 (Billy Joel, arr. Weber)

wydano: 07 June 2024
nagrano: Recorded & mixed at Benny's Wash & Dry, Brooklyn, NY

more info: www.originarts.com