Always loved it, always will: hard bop, small group style. Best with the combo of piano, bass, drums and a front line of tenor and trumpet, but I can slum it and have variations and even an extra instrument. The mix of bop, soul, gospel with catchy melodies with solos that go just long enough without jumping off a cliff make this my go-to music whenever I’m not sure what to play. Here are two recent releases by modern gents who got my attention.
Pianist Joe Gilman leads a snappy little team of Nick Frenay/tp, Chad Lefkowitz/ts-bc, Zach Brown/b and Corey Fonville/dr through a collection of originals that keep the bop flame burning but add extra textures and rabbit trails. Classic toe tappers like “Three Spheres” feature the warm brass provided by Frenay as well as the groove-oriented rhythm section. Gilman displays his lyricism on a couple of solo pieces like “Dewdrop,” while other tunes such as “Sky and Water” and “Three Worlds” have some intriguing harmonies, accents and sidebars that keep you paying attention. Lefkowitz’s tenor is firm and muscular, with the veins popping on “Ascending and Descending.” Put this one right alongside your Jazz Messengers catalogue!
Felipe Salles leads a rollicking team as well. He himself solos on tenor and soprano sax, as well as flutes and bass clarinets, while the rest of the team of Nando Michelin/p, Keala Kaumeheiwa/b, Bertram Lehmann/dr and Laura Arpianen/v is supplemented by the exciting trumpet of guest Randy Brecker. The band gets down and funky on material like “Seagull’s Island” and the darker “B’s Blues,” both which highlight the leader’s red clay sound on tenor. The band is air tight on “Departure” which is kicked up a couple notches by some roller coaster accents just when you least suspect it. On the mellower side, Salles’ soprano caresses “Awaiting” while Michelin’s piano gently coaxes the ivories. A gorgeous “Adagio Trieste” has an almost chamber-like feel to it, with Salles’ flute providing soft winds. Excellent outing.
Capri Records
Tapestry Records
www.felipesalles.com