One of the top five Spanish Jazz
releases of 2009.
- Cuadernos de Jazz
Fifth solo album of the North American trumpeter who has
lived for more than a decade in Madrid, in which he
demonstrates the round, warm, soft touch that has become
his trademark. Kase finds the inspiration for his
compositions in musicians such as Dave Douglas, Ornette
Coleman, Jaco Pastorius and classical composer Kurt
Weill, as well as popular standards in the case of
"Estelar", based on Victor Young's "Stella by Starlight."
An introspective disc, tranquil, at times sparse, in
which slow and medium tempo tempi are the protagonists
throughout.
© Jota Punto, distritojazz.com |
|
Trumpeter Chris Kase is a luxury in
a country, which for many years, has lacked a first-class
representative of the jazz trumpet. He is a trumpet
player who possesses a round, warm sonority which at
times can even confuse the listener as to whether the
trumpet or flugelhorn is the instrument being heard (or
cornet, which is heard on the title tune). His sound is
kind, never aggressive, and he moves with great agility
in an ample range. His discipline as an instrumentalist
is parallel to his discipline as a composer. His
compositions are well thought-out, not mere excuses for
improvisation Perhaps more important than the creation
of a concise, sing-able melody is his capacity to create
an ambience, a sonic palette that determines from
beginning to end the expression of his music. In Chris'
music lies an admirable unity and cohesion.
© Carlos Pérez Cruz, elclubdejazz.com
The quality of the musicians involved guarantees the
success of this venture, but it's the title cut which
airs the best creative spirit of the album and the most
emotive interpretation by Kase who, as usual, shines
with his clean, classic phrasing, but also with his
lyricism.
© Quinito L. Mourelle, Cuadernos de Jazz * * * * |