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Michael Hutchins
Via Gelato Cafe
July 31st 2010
1853 Tower Drive
Glenview, Ill 60026
Cost: $0
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Stacy McMichael
Julius Meinl
July 31st 2010
Addison / Southport
Chicago, Ill
Cost: $FREE
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Chicago Yestet - Jazz Is Politics?
Joel Adams Trombone
Pat Mallinger Alto, tenor saxophone
Scott Burns Tenor saxophone
John Wojciechowski Tenor saxophone, bass carinet
Victor Garcia Trumpet, flugelhorn
Tito Carrillo Trumpet, flugelhorn
Tom Garling Trombone
Dan Trudell Piano
Dana Hall Drums
Clark Sommers Bass
Rob Dz Vocals
Jeff Parker Guitar
Jazz Is Politics? showcases the compositions of trombonist and Chicago Yestet leader, Joel Adams, whose pieces are impressive, dynamic, well thought out and performed brilliantly. This large ensemble of ten features excellent individual musicianship and a solid rhythm section that both swings and grooves throughout, maneuvering the twists and turns of these intelligent compositions. The horn section is tightly knit and continuously weaves in and out of the pieces but doesn't dominate the music like a classic big band might. Additionally, the Yestet is joined on three tracks by creative guitarist Jeff Parker and by Rob Dz, who provides spoken-word lyrics in a political context and whose presence makes this disc even more interesting.
The first track, "The Decider," is a politically themed, spoken-word performance by Dz accompanied by rich horn arrangements and a grooving rhythm, and is a bit reminiscent of the legendary first release of Chicago Transit Authority. To add some interest, an ex-president makes a brief appearance! Political statements arent made in jazz very often and it's a refreshing aspect of Jazz Is Politics?.
The piece "Yo-Yo" opens with the classic jazz trio sound. What I love about this tune is that even as the horn section enters, playing beautifully stated themes, you can always clearly hear the trio. The piece ends with some tasty bebop trombone playing. "Solace" opens as a bluesy, melancholy melodic statement played on flugelhorn. This music is both intelligent and soulful, and the beautiful ending, which has the returning flugelhorn floating notes over piano chords, is ethereal.
In addition to the spoken-word lyrics, there is a smoking tenor sax playing over the grooving "Domestic Tranquility." The compositions and musicianship are showcased with the horn section playing hip and dissonant chords. And if the Yestet is all about the horns, this song is where they shine. "Holy, Holy, Holy" is a beautiful and uplifting melody, and the piece takes many directions, each handled beautifully by what is simply a great band. Also, you'll hear several band members stretch out in some spirited improvisation.
I can't help but think of the classic Coltrane Quartet recordings when I listen to the opening of "Ethnicity." Those ever-present Yestet horns continue to accent, but never dominate. There are lots of dynamics and excitement here and the soloing on this tune is truly raucous. The disc closes with "Peace Dance," which again features spoken words with a peaceful and hopeful message. A nice guitar solo seems to summon that same spirit found in the lyric.
In short, the Yestet is a large ensemble performing new compositions with underlying grooves and beautiful melodies. This is an impressive CD.
By: Philip Davia
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