CD Reviews: Graham Dechter, “Right On Time,”
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Posted by: editoron Tuesday, October 27, 2009 - 08:53 PM |
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By: Edward Blanco
The youngest member of the renowned Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, 23 year old guitarist Graham Dechter makes a elegant entrance in the jazz world with one of the most impressive new releases from CAPRI Records this year. Essentially a session of delicate soft jazz, Right On Time is a timely and beautiful collection of lesser-known originals and classic jazz standards bathed in new light featuring the crisp guitar work of Dechter in the lead role. Dechter, who wasn't even alive when Joe Cocker sang it, takes a cue from the singer's major hit “A Little Help From My Friends,” and smartly enlists the help of his fellow band mates in the orchestra by employing bassist John Clayton, drummer Jeff Hamilton and pianist Tamir Hendelman to record a gem of an album making this debut far more than a showcase for the leader, but a masterful group effort that shines all over.
Borrowing from the songbooks of legendary composers and musicians, Dechter leads a transformation of some classic tunes like Antonio Carlos Jobim's “Wave,” perhaps one of the better renditions around, and strikes mellow and cushy reads on the beautiful Hoagy Carmichael tune “The Nearness of You,” and Cy Coleman's “With Every Breath I Take.” Not to be missed are the two Duke Ellington compositions, “I Ain't Got Nothin' But The Blues,” and the tasty “In A Mellow Mood,” both of which feature handy drum work from Hamilton and highlight Hendelman's spicy piano lines.
All is not mellow though as the guitarist and crew really swing on the opening Thad Jones piece, “Low Down,”and then continue to provide more assertive play on the playful “Broadway” demonstrating that there's more on this album than the repertoire of light burners. Graham Dechter's performance on the guitar, while masterful, is not what makes “Right On Time” such a pleasure to hear, it's the combination of beautiful charts, excellent accompaniment and the dynamic rich harmonies that grace this recording. No doubt about it, this is one CD that clearly warrants repeated spins.
Year: 2009
Label: CAPRI Records
Artist Web: www.grahamdechter.com
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