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The soloists in the band
distinguish themselves upfront and Kaplan's charts leave powerful subliminal
suggestions.
Gene Kalbacher/Hot House
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| “How’s
That?”, the debut CD recording
of the Mike Kaplan Nonet, bridges the gap between modern big-band and small-group
jazz and will delight fans of both. Long a favorite of audiences in the
New York City metro area, the band spotlights the highly inventive and exciting
compositions and arrangements of Kaplan, performed with fire, precision,
spunk and sensitivity by an ensemble of top NYC area improvisers. The Nonet
features 6 horns out front and a flexible, intuitive rhythm section. The
band members (most of whom have played with the Nonet for over ten years)
collectively have performed and recorded with Thad Jones/Mel
Lewis, Toshiko Akiyoshi, former Jazz Messenger James Williams, Dave Liebman,
Al Foster and many others. Featured soloists include trumpeter Bill
Mobley, trombonists Pete McGuinness and Ben Williams, pianist Matt King
and baritone saxophonist Ed Xiques. |
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Track
Listing:
How's That?
mp.3 file, 2.4MB, 1:45
For CM
mp.3 file, 1.4MB, 2:04
The Crawl
mp.3 file, 1.8MB, 1:19
In Reality
mp.3 file, 2.6MB, 1:54
Melody for My Mom
mp.3 file, 2.7MB, 1:58
Firm Roots
mp.3 file, 2.4MB, 1:42
Sudden Stranger
Bye-Ya
Orange Circle Funk |
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| Kaplan,
whose tenor saxophone playing presents a modern spin on the big-toned Ben
Webster tradition, covers a broad stylistic range as a writer. The Nonet
expertly switches gears from the funky New Orleans second-line groove of
the title track to the elegaic ballad “Sudden Stranger,” occasionally
reminiscent of Wayne Shorter. The band’s versatility and togetherness
is further showcased in the volcanic mood swings of the shifting-tempoed
“For CM”, the warm Ellingtonian pastels of “Melody for
My Mom” and the closing piece “Orange Circle Funk,” which
simultaneously evokes the gutbucket and the future. The CD also features
original Kaplan takes on classic compositions by two of Jazz’s most
esteemed writers: Cedar Walton’s uptempo burner “Firm Roots”
and Monk’s “Bye Ya”, re-imagined with a tapdance feel.
Altoist Bob Hanlon, an outstanding soloist throughout, also displays impressive
writing “chops” with his forward-looking composition and arrangement,
“In Reality.” |
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Purchase now from-
CD Baby
cdstreet.com
Amazon.com |
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Performances
intended for private use only and may not be used without permission otherwise.
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Contact
Mike Kaplan
Please visit the Smokin' Section
website |
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