Monday, November 12, 2012

Fret Phenoms - Bob Stewart



Although one of the most emotive interpreters of standards repertoire, guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel is also one of his generation's most prolific composers. The NEA Composer's Award winner asserts that it is his writing which helped develop what  has now become a singular voice in modern jazz. For his first quartet disc in more than ten years -- "Star of Jupiter" -- he's assembled a stellar band which includes pianist Aaron Parks, bassist Eric Revis and the dynamic young drummer, Justin Faulkner. Rosenwinkel's brilliant use of space is paired with deeply affective melodies and sensual grooves that evolve slowly and steadily.

Guitarist Ed Cherry is probably best known for his work with Dizzy Gillespie's ensemble for almost 14 years, followed by stints with Paquito D'Rivera, Henry Threadgill and Roy Hargrove. But his new CD, "It's All Good", hearkens back to his days with John Patton during the organist's 1990's comeback sessions. Cherry
unleashes a powerful trio date featuring the solid harmonic foundation of B3 whiz Pat Bianchi and the explosive metrics of drummer Byron Landham on a program of hard bop gems from Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Monk and others.

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