Downbeat-2-19-Soul-Fingers-Pages

Jazz / BY DENISE SULLIVAN MAGNUS CONTZEN Draksler/Eldh/Lillinger Punkt.Vrt.Plastik INTAKT 318 ++++ Bobby Broom The lineup of any ensemble has an alchemical quality to it. The right combination of personal- A Personalized Perspective ities and styles can yield nothing less than gold. Three trios and a quartet—led by a drummer, guitarist John Chiodini (Natalie Cole, Tony But throw in one bad element and it quickly can a guitarist, a keyboardist and a bassist, re- Bennet) and organist Joe Bagg (Madeleine turn leaden. spectively—demonstrate an ability to cast a Peyroux, Larry Coryell) through two pieces That was the risk drummer Christian wide net and still remain within the jazz tradi- by Brazilian musician César Camargo Maria- Lillinger and bassist Petter Eldh took when they tion. From originals to classic rock standards, no, plus a samba, “Cascades Of The 7 Water- started working with pianist Kaja Draksler in a soul, blues and a touch of Brazil, these play- falls” by Alex Malheiros, as well as the Chiod- new trio. The pair already were familiar with ers rely on their deep love and knowledge of ini-penned “Cheetahs And Gazelles,” with its one another, having provided the backbone for modes and material, and a commitment to own Brazilian changes. Seiwell was a found- the marvelous free-jazz quartet Amok Amor. laying it down. ing member of Paul McCartney’s Wings and Draksler was the X-factor they brought into their Known for his work on the Hammond there’s a dramatic version of “Live & Let Die” creative partnership, a new source of heat that B-3 organ, Raphael Wressnig lets loose included here, plus a guest appearance by on Chicken Burrito (Pepper Cake 2110; rocker Edgar Winter, who hits the saxophone could bend their playing into new shapes. The 32:06 +++). Featuring longtime collabo- throughout the unfortunately titled “Baby resulting work is as invitingly, thrillingly jum- rator Alex Schultz on guitar and celebrated Mama.” The familiar “Cold Duck Time,” by bled and postmodern as their album’s title. The soul and jazz sideman James Gadson on Eddie Harris, and the Jule Styne/Sammy connection that Lillinger and Eldh have built up drums, the trio moves with virtuosic ease Cahn standard “I Fall In Love Too Easily” also over the past decade is still clear and strong, but while the groove never stops, from the al- find their way into the group’s wide-ranging Draksler flows and spills around it like a steady bum opener, “Chunky Thighs,” through the palette. stream of water, slickening up a craggy rock. funk feel of the title track and into the laid- Ordering info: quartovalleyrecords.com The best tracks here have the feel of a classic back “Tiny Dog Blues.” Bobby Broom—who made a name for jazz album subjected to William S. Burroughs’ Ordering info: raphaelwressnig.com himself as a sideman with Sonny Rollins and cut-up method or the whims of a particularly The Humanity Quartet is bassist Sean Dr. John—ushers his troupe, the Organi-Sa- Smith, drummer Leon Parker, their long- tion, through Soul Fingers (Clean Sweep keyed-up remixer. “Punkt Torso” could be a bal- time acquaintance, tenor saxophonist Joel 0118; 58:38 +++), a collection of rock clas- lad, but the otherwise fluid melodies and gen- Frahm, and guitarist Peter Bernstein (whose sics that inspired the guitarist when he was a tle splash of the drums sputter and break in this association with Smith and Parker dates back youth during the 1960s and ‘70s. Following trio’s hands. It’s like watching a colorful, glitchy to 1987). Formed in 2016 as a response to a trio albums and quartet releases, as well as livestream. And it only makes those moments world gone mad, its first recording, Human- recordings with Deep Blue Organ Trio, Soul of clarity and accessibility—the slowly unfurl- ity (Cellar Live O60118; 64:11 ++++), Fingers was produced by Steve Jordan. With ing intro of “Body Decline,” Draksler’s pensive swings with elegance and proficiency while Ben Paterson on organ and Kobie Watkins solo that begins “Life Is Transient” or when it working toward the group’s goal: bringing on drums, the trio gelled opening dates for sounds like Lillinger and Eldh are going to slip humankind together through music. Con- Steely Dan. (They do an arrangement of into a tight funk groove—carry you through the sisting entirely of original, modern material, “Do It Again”). There are also pop entries, cuts like “Jobimiola” and “Samba For Evan- like Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode To Billie Joe,” The album’s more challenging moments. They’re like drea” (with vocals by Marya Lawrence) go for Beatles’ “Come Together” and “While My those moments at the first peak of a roller coaster a warm Brazilian vibe. Guitar Gently Weeps,” and even easy rock- ride, before you’re sent tumbling into a adrenal- Ordering info: cellarlive.com ers by Seals and Crofts, and Bread. Each ized thrill ride. —Robert Ham The Denny Seiwell Trio also favors gets Broom’s treatment, the guitarist voic- Brazilian styles on its second recording, Boo- ing every note of the distinct melodies, then Punkt.Vrt.Plastik.: Nuremberg Amok; Evicted; Punkt Torso; merang (Quarto Valley; 55:08 +++). cleverly winding up the set with the sweetly Azan; Veins; Body Decline; Plastic; Momentan; Life Is Transient. (41:55) With one previous release (Reckless Aban- flavored “Guitar Man.” DB Personnel: Kaja Draksler, piano; Petter Eldh, bass; Christian don) to its credit, drummer Seiwell leads Ordering info: bobbybroom.com Lillinger, drums. Ordering info: intaktrec.ch 62 DOWNBEAT FEBRUARY 2019.

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