Vu-Tet

Jazz | Jul 2008

Reviews

Fo
Reviewed 2008-08-31
CUONG VU: Vu-Tet
artistShare, 2008

MODERN JAZZ/AVANT-GARDE – Defying labels and expectations, trumpeter Cuong Vu leads a dynamic quartet with Chris Speed (sax/clarinet), Stomu Takeshi (bass) and Ted Poor (drums) through a kaleidoscopic set of deep soundscapes, technicolor freakouts and cerebral reflections, fed by exceptional interplay and a calm drive.

Fo’s Picks: 2, 3, 5, 7

1. 6:54 – slow & atmospheric, soft drone up to solemn majesty; lots of effects
2. 6:26 – rapid-fire phrases: rockin’ bass & drums; insane trumpet solo
3. 10:13 – starts relaxed & shadowy, grows intense; clarinet tiptoes through a minefield, trumpet calms and then blasts; great bass throughout
4. 7:03 – steady, almost a ballad; becomes resolute w/overlapping statements
5. 7:27 – sneaky/funky groove turns dark & reptilian; soaring trumpet/sax
6. 7:27 – melodic, but ponderous; introspective horns dance in slow-motion
7. 8:44 – relaxed and melodic: horns are calmly eloquent over steady beat

[ Fo ] 31-Aug-08

Recent airplay

Solitary Confinement
Memory SelectOct 31, 2008
Accelerated Thoughts
Memory SelectOct 24, 2008
Solitary Confinement [excerpt]
Intro
Brownian Bliss OutOct 01, 2008
Never, Ever, Ever
No Cover, No MinimumSep 26, 2008
Accelerated Thoughts
Memory SelectSep 12, 2008

Charting

2008-08-31 — 2008-11-02 Jazz
Week EndingAirplays
Nov 2 1
Oct 26 1
Oct 19 1
Oct 5 1
Sep 28 1
Sep 14 2
Sep 7 2

Track listing

1. Intro
2. Accelerated Thoughts
3. Solitary Confinement
4. Just A Memory
5. Never, Ever, Ever
6. Now I Know (For Vina)
7. I Promise