JAMES WEIDMAN: Three Worlds
Inner Circle, 2009

MODERN JAZZ – Pianist James Weidman makes a strong case for greater recognition with this set of original music. He marks his territory boldly in the first half, subverting the disc’s friendly mainstream air with lopsided tune structures and a quirky harmonic approach. This sense is reinforced by Ray Anderson’s warbling, oblique trombone, while Marty Ehrlich’s clarinet and sax has a stabilizing effect. The later tracks settle into a more familiar sound.

Marty Ehrlich - alto sax, clarinets
Ray Anderson - trombone
Jay Hoggard - vibraphone
James Weidman - piano, melodica, xaphoon
Brad Jones - bass
Francisco Mela - drums

* * * * | Fo’s Picks: 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10

1. 5:41 – midtempo, lopsided feel: straight-up sax, warbling trombone
2. 5:46 – relaxed stroll, catchy but unusual theme: piano tiptoes & wanders
3. 7:09 – upbeat trio, simple theme into swinging stroll, nice drum solo
4. 7:49 – percolating, gets into a wacky 3-way argument; great bass/drums
5. 7:47 – relaxed swing w/latin touch: piano stands tall, vibes patter/shimmer
6. 1:59 – ominous, semi-free intro to #7 with xaphoon (bamboo reed)
7. 5:54 – cool drums, upbeat theme: enthusiastic piano horns climb & tumble
8. 4:50 – catchy little theme: vibes glide and piano soars, then they intertwine
9. 7:12 – shimmering intro, then serious with hard rhythm and solid solos
10. 5:30 – trio ballad: pensive intro, then swanky, elegant and gorgeous
11. 7:04 – old spiritual turned into a modern, riff-based, chunky strut.

[ Fo ] 01/09/10