CD Reviews: Charles Evans – Neil Shah “Live at Saint Stephens” CD-2009 Hot Cup Records
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Posted by: editoron Thursday, January 28, 2010 - 12:20 PM |
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Glenn Astarita
Teenage friends who were reared in the Pennsylvania countryside evolves into a fruitful musical relationship that shines luminously, especially here on this duo effort recorded at Saint Stephens Episcopal Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Baritone saxophonist Charles Evans, on the wings of his highly-acclaimed 2009 solo outing “The King of All Instruments,” snagged 5 stars in Downbeat magazine, for example. And pianist Neil Shah has performed with a top echelon roster of jazz legends, such as trombonist/arranger Bob Brookmeyer and bassist Eddie Gomez. On this exceptional duo outing, the artists integrate chromatic intervals, emotive improvisation and nuance into a comprehensive musical vista, teeming with bluesy passages, stoic musings and more.
Part of the duo’s success pertains to their subtle shifts in strategy and balanced approach, shaded with soft textures and brief sojourns into the free-zone. Simply stated, their intuitive interactions and sensitivity offers the winning formula. With the fifteen-minute piece titled “On Tone Yet – Part I, II and III,” Evans’ sterling intonation is complemented by his use of tremolo, power and curvy extended notes while Shah renders a dizzying ostinato and propels a sense of urgency. Here and throughout, the duo upholds interest via dashing flurries and alterable ebbs and flows.
Shah bridges antiquity with modernism during his lush phrasings on “An Die Fliegenden Fische,” which is a tender ballad, contrasted by Evans’ proclamations of lament and edgy undertones. And the musicians morph gusto and restraint with sober musings on the wittily titled “What Worked, What Didn’t, What Wouldn’t, What Would’ve.” However, they jazz it up with sinuous lines amid some cat and mouse type interplay within the bridge. It’s a remarkably cohesive endeavor, where every note, phrase and movement seems like it was meant to be. – Glenn Astarita
Track listing: Junie - Part I "The Father," Part II "The Friend"; On Tone Yet - Parts I, II and III; Mono Monk; An Die Fliegenden Fische; Mother and Others; What Worked, What Didn't, What Wouldn't, What Would've.
Personnel: Charles Evans: baritone saxophone; Neil Shah: piano.
www.hotcuprecords.com
www.neilshah.com
www.charlesevans.com
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