Vintage sounds of hard bop are modernized on these two recent releases by today’s generation.
Drummer and percussionist Kobie Watkins brings together a strong collection of Jonathan Armstrong/ts-ss, Ryan Hielsen/tp-fh, Justin Nielsen/p-key and Aaron Miller/b for a collection of mostly band-composed themes. Watkins has a rich snap to his sticks, creating a hip Caribbean groove for Armstrong’s rich horn on the bopping “Catch This” while the saxist puffs on the pulsating Afro Cuban groove of Dizzy Gillespie’s classic “Manteca.” A sweet soprano forms a gentle breeze with Miller’s bass and the leader’s brushes on “Six Moods” whereas the two horn front line form a Horace Silver inspired pulse during a boogalooing “The City.” Some soul and spacey moods are conjured up on “Rivet” and “Inner Motion” for Nielsen’s keyboards, with Watkins as deep in the pocket as a 50 cent piece. Excellent!
Alto saxist Roman Filiu’ brings together Ralph Alessi/tp, Dayna Stephens/ts, Maria Grand/ts, David Virelles/p, Matt Brewer/b, Craig Weinrib/dr and Yusnier Sanchez/perc for twelve tunes penned by the leader. Filiu’s tone is dry and bright, and his pen skills create intricate and sophisticated lines. Complex themes with serpentine lines are found in “Fulcanelli” and the angular “Choral” with Filiu’s sax getting fluffy on “Tursten” on “Choral.” The rhythm team hits hard as they they on the angular “Harina Con Arena” and build up to a dramatic climax on the bright “Kaijufrem.” An handful of vignettes include Satie-esque piano on “Danza #5,” soft tones on “Danza #1” and percussion with long toned rubatos on ”For Horns and Bells.” Swinging grey matter.