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John Stowell/Michael Zilber Quartet: Basement Blues
ByThe set features two classics: Jerome Kern's "Nobody Else but Me" and the closer, pianist Bill Evans' "Very Early." All other tunes are originals from the pens of Stowell or Zilber, with one group-written composition, "Later that Night," thatwith such a groovedoesn't sound like a free improvisation, though it may well be.
The disc's title tune, written by Zilber, opens the set on a reflective note. Zilber is exquisite on soprano horn, and he adds some almost subliminal piano to the rhythm, a subtle and beautiful sparkle behind Stowell's piquant solo. Jerome Kern's "Nobody Else But Me" is given a playful turn, and "Stowell In Heart," from Zilber's pen, is introspective, wandering, lovely, a somewhat amorphous type of tune that could be mistaken for a Wayne Shorter composition. Stowell's "Violin Memory" features Zilber putting out a robust and gritty sound on tenor sax to contrast with Stowell's effortless grace.
With three disc's now to their credit, the John Stowell/Michael Zilber Quartet has crafted a group sound as individualistic, and as modernistic and compelling, as any out there.
Track Listing
Basement Blues; Nobody Else But Me; Stowell In Heart; Stay Right There; Violin Memory; Later That Night; I Wish; Have Yourself A Vince Guaraldi Xmas; Stowell Mates; Very Early.
Personnel
Michael Zilber: saxophones, piano; John Stowell: guitars; John Shifflett: bass; Jason Lewis: drums.
Album information
Title: Basement Blues | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Origin Records
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