Recent releases by six stringers…
Alex Goodman releases an ambitious two disc set with two different quartets dominated by originals and with a dash of standards. There really isn’t much of a difference between the two units of Ben Van Gelder/as, Martin Nevin/b, Jimmy Macbride/dr or Alex LoRe/as, Rick Rosato/b and Mark Ferber/dr. The “Blue” album has a more breathy alto introducing “Still Life With Skull” and cool brushes on “Blue Shade” with delicate guitar work and cool tones throughout, even over the busy drums o f”Space Behind Eugene Boch”. Both discs have each artist given a solo intro to a song, while a bluesy trio on the “Red” disc includes a nice interplay on “Toys” while Rosato pulsates on “Circles In A Circle”. Goodman goes solo on a Jim Hall-inspired spacious and gentle “If I Loved You”. Cucumber cool.
Guitarist Randall Crissman co-leads a smooth and rhythmic team with vibist Dirk Richter on this upbeat collection of originals that are filled with toe tappers. The team includes all stars such as Vinnie Colaiuta/dr, Jimmy Johnson/b, Luis Conte/pec and Jeff Lorber/org, all shining like patent leather shoes. The team gets soulful on “Sweet Vibes” and optimistic for the R&B-ish “Daydream” with Crissman and Richter careening around Lorbers frames. The percussion sizzles and Johnson delivers a hip bass line for Richter on “Spy” while Crissman creates dark shadows on a successfully soulful “Guitar Noir” while the team cruises on “Windchime”. Deep digs.