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Jim Robitaille Group: A View From Within
ByThe original music that this quartet createsa smart blend of horizon-seeking movers and reflective beautiessells itself without issue. Toggling between both of those modes of expression, Robitaille and company retain a rare degree of passion, and pull, for more than 70 minutes. Opening on the bouncing-cum-swinging title track, this foursome delivers serious heat without ever needing to muscle the music. Then it's off to the winsome remove of the lightly waltzing "Slow Tuesday," matching Liebman's soprano to Robitaille's guitar; on to the intense "Point Of Origin," notable for, among other things, its tricky unison hits and Ritz's solo stand; and over to the entrancing "Nightfall," which finds the guitarist embracing post-eveningtide grace with a nylon string companion.
By the time Robitaille and his partners reach the album's midpointthe bop-leaning "Touch and Go"nothing else needs to be said. But that doesn't mean more music isn't welcome. The second half of the album, with two more originals and two smart takes on classics, continues to highlight individual gifts and a strong group chemistry while marking the leader as an artist deserving greater recognition. "Opaque," another nylon string soother, opens the back-end of the recording. A Latin-spiced "What Is This Thing Called Love?," with some standout solo work from Liebman and Marino, follows and melds tradition with personal expression. The airy, mellow swing of "Spatial," occupying the penultimate position, offers a platform for Robitaille's advanced, compelling chording. And a funked-up "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise" finishes things off.
Fire and finesse don't always get along so well, but Robitaille has a gift for making peace between the two. 15 years was far too long to separate his group's first two releases. Here's to hoping that the third one doesn't take so long to arrive.
Track Listing
A View From Within; Slow Tuesday; Point of Origin; Nightfall; Touch and Go; Opaque; What Is This Thing Called Love?; Spatial; Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise.
Personnel
Jim Robitaille
guitarJim Robitaille: guitar, nylon string guitar; Dave Liebman: soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone; Tony Marino: bass; Alex Ritz: drums.
Album information
Title: A View From Within | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Whaling City Sound
Comments
About Jim Robitaille Group
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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