CD Reviews: Bipolar, “Euphrates, Me Jane”
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Posted by: editoron Thursday, May 07, 2009 - 09:14 PM |
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By: Edward Blanco
Led by trumpeter Jed Feuer, the group Bipolar is an eclectic quintet providing original music from Feuer and pianist Craig Swanson as well as intriguing arrangements of classical pieces from Beethoven, Brahms, Bach, Debussy and Faure all wrapped up into one neat debut package titled “Euphrates, Me Jane.” With Stephanie Long on the reeds, David Ostrem on bass and James Windsor-Wells rounding out the rhythm on drums, Bipolar unveils a fourteen-track album that taps into a unique classical theme, features original new material and and provides a delicate treatment of the Lennon/McCartney standard “And I Love Her.”
Of the many highlights on this marvelous first effort are Feuer's opening statement titled after the band, “Bipolar,” a brisk perky piece of music with an almost slight New Orleans flavor. The pianist provides two of the best compositions with the swinging “9/13” where he demonstrates his more than able chops on the instrument, opening an avenue for Feuer and Long to solo gently. The other Swanson burner is “Closed (Due To Fire),” a lush arrangement that begins softly and20picks up the beat with Long's playful performance giving way to Feuer's muted horn work which all comes together for perhaps the best piece of the album.
The classical theme of the recording begins with the Swanson arrangement of Debussy's “Killer Beau (SOIR) and continues on the Feuer arrangements of Beethoven's “OP.130,” Bach's “Prelude,” Faure's “Pavane” and ending on “Brahms 3rd.” The lively and jumpy Feuer composed title track serves as the finale.
Whether one likes classical music or not, the classical theme does not in any way trump the jazz, for this is clearly a jazz recording that one is bound to enjoy. Kudos to Jed Feuer and the rest of Bipolar because this recording debut, “Euphrates, Me Jane,” is one musical Tarzan of an album that swings mightily.
Year:2009
Label: Self Published
Artist Web: www.bipolarjazz.com
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