Continuum

ERIC McPHERSON - Continuum
Smalls, 2007

Long associated with creative icons such as Jackie McLean and Andrew Hill, drummer Eric McPherson proves to be an innovator in his own right with this arresting debut, conceived as a tribute to the previous generation of jazz masters. McPherson often seems to be working through several ideas at once on his kit, spraying percussion left and right over six thoughtfully angular tunes. The mood is exotic in the avant-leaning “3rio Suite,” spiritually grounded in “Black Pearl” — a spoken-word piece honoring to McPherson’s mother — and moodily intense in the two-bass workout “De Javu Monk.” The set goes by almost too quickly, clocking in at a brief 40 minutes. But it’s a treat the whole way.

Fo’s Picks: Try any track (1 & 2 are more avant-leaning)

1. 6:39 – avant intro; exotic feel with bass drone; becomes keening, oblique
2. 6:31 – angular tension shifts to ominous walk, heavy bass, agitated sax
3. 5:44 – mysterious intro; heavy ballad with 2 basses; flute lightens mood
4. 5:49 – cool spoken word with atmospheric drums, in honor of his mother
5. 7:07 – very cool drums and fender rhodes; rolls along with nice sax
6. 8:36 – quiet 2-bass dialogue becomes thick stew, simple piano, moody sax

[ Fo ] 04/10/08