Guitarist Gilad Hekselman’s returned from over a year absence from The Blue Whale, using the occasion to celebrate the release of his latest album Ask For Chaos. Teamed with bassist Dave Robaire and album-mate drummer Jonathan Pinson, Hekselman showed the audience (half of which were musicians in rapt attention) that not only have his playing skills grown in his absence, but his composing skills as well. Each song in the 70 minute set was strong on its own terms without soloing, and in the hands of improvisatory giants as these, the pieces were taken to further heights.
The leader’s gentle echoey intro to “It Will Get Better” gently veered through Robaire’s soft cadence and Pinson’s soft mallets, with each chorus gently increasing the Butanes with guitar harmonies of a Metheny-esque nature but with a personal touch, searching for vistas on the ascending trail as Pinson built up to a dramatic charge, only to recede with the band into a three point landing.
The cheerful “V Blues” mixed Hekselman’s chirping guitar riffs with energetic propulsions by Robaire and Pinson, while the optimistic “Clap Clap” had the guitarist exchanging phrases with not only the band, but with the participating audience. Pinson’s crisp snare work and Robaire’s resounding bass bounced back and forth in response to the leader like a championship ping pong match.
A more lyrical side of the evening took place as Hekselman gave a tender and melodic approach to Baden Powell’s “Samba Em Preludio” which featured Robaire’s bass pleading with a bluesy hue and Pinson’s brush work creating a falling leaf effect of the gracious mood.
On the closing “Tokyo Cookie,” Hekselman veered over Pinson’s rustling drums like a hawk looking for prey, soaring up and down over the muscular currents, as Robaire throbbed out a galloping cadence to lead the team into a festive dance and a climactic explosion. On this night Hekselman is demonstrating that with each album and tour that there is growth in the artist that is encouraging for his band mates as well as his growing fan base.
Gilad Hekselman will be back in February with Ben Wendel’s Seasons Band. Don’t miss out!
Upcoming shows at The Blue Whale include Josh Nelson 01/30, Mike Currola 01/31, Ben Wendel 02/01-02 and The Bad Plus 02/14-15