|
It’s reassuring to hear groups making new strides and attracting new audiences in our cities and
communities, one such group being the Bob Long Trio. Straight Roads, their first release as a
trio on
Illinois’ Cellar Records, is an affirmation of joy, struggle, loneliness and companionship as working
jazz artists.
With a modern approach and not-totally-electric, while not-totally-acoustic instrumentation, the
Bob
Long Trio churns seamlessly through a varied repertoire of lesser known standards, comtemporary
straightahead charts, and originals. Keyboardist Bob Long leads the trio accompanied by Dave
Marr (bass), and Tim Davies (drums), keeping your interest piqued throughout the introspective
album.
The trio works beautifully together as a cohesive unit. Notable is the timbre of Marr’s bass
juxtaposed against Long’s organ, which commands a great presence and assuredness in style,
harmony and rhythmic intensity. Marr often goes off and does his own thing, playing only altered
tones as on Joey Calderazzo’s "Midnight Voyage," yet somehow it still works. Davies provides
inspiration and color throughout Billy Strayhorn’s "Upper Manhattan Medical Group" (most often
known as U.M.M.G) and on Wayne Shorter’s "Night Dreamer." The album reminds me of Herbie
Hancock’s Mwandishi years on Warner Brothers records. The psychedelic yet funky and
swinging
nature of the material just puts me in that 70s Herbie mindset. For a guy to be compared to Herbie
Hancock in my book is excellent. Good job Bob!
If you are planning on being in Chicago, you have the chance to see the Bob Long / Brian
Gephart Group at the Green Mill on Friday nights. Otherwise you might be interested in Straight
Roads.
~ Matt Merewitz
|
Track Listing: 1 - Straight
2 - Wheel, The
3 - Midnight Voyage
4 - One Line Written
5 - Skatin
6 - Arima
7 - Night Dreamer
8 - Upper Manhattan Medical Group
9 - Dark Light
10 - Turn Out The Stars
11 - Prince Of Darkness
Personnel: Bob Long - Fender Rhodes electric piano, Hammond B3 organ;
Dave Marr - acoustic bass;
Tim Davies - drums.
|
