Mar 2, 2023 10:46 AM
In Memoriam: Wayne Shorter, 1933-2023
One of the most prodigious composers and singular, harmonically sophisticated improvisers in jazz history, tenor and…
Bassist Chris Lightcap (third from right) merges his two working ensembles for SuperBigmouth, which is set for release Oct. 4 on Pyroclastic Records.
(Photo: Bradley Scott Rosen)Chris Lightcap’s compositional and performative dexterity stretches back to the ’90s, when he began working with some of New York’s best-known avant-gardists. A few folks who were gigging and recording with the bassist back then again congregate for SuperBigmough, a composite picture of the bandleader’s two regular ensembles that’s set for release Oct. 4 through Kris Davis’ Pyroclastic Records.
Splicing together Suprette—a group that last year issued a self-titled disc via The Royal Potato Family imprint—and Bigmouth, Lightcap’s sussed out the best of what electrified acts have to offer, as guitarists Curtis Hasselbring and Jonathan Goldberger trim the proceedings with some undeniably rockist intentions. That saxophonist Tony Malaby and drummer Gerald Cleaver are along for the session only hints at the level of musicianship captured here.
But for “Through Birds, Through Fire”—a tune named after a 1943 Yves Tanguy oil painting which debuts below—Lightcap’s nothing short of effusive over the contributions from another ensemble member.
“The opening section is made up of a bunch of different melodic fragments that eventually come together and serve as a springboard into Craig Taborn’s solo,” the bandleader began while explaining “Through Birds.” “[H]e takes one of the most compelling Hammond B3 organ solos I’ve ever heard, and throughout it you can feel how his playing drives and inspires the rest of us.”
For additional info about the album, visit the Pyroclastic website. DB
Shorter performing at the 2015 Earshot Jazz Festival in Seattle.
Mar 2, 2023 10:46 AM
One of the most prodigious composers and singular, harmonically sophisticated improvisers in jazz history, tenor and…
“In the pantheons of guitar players, Jeff was the chosen one,” said Steve Vai of the late Jeff Beck.
Jan 24, 2023 11:48 AM
One of an iconic triumvirate of ’60s rock guitar gods, along with Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck set the…
Burt Bacharach with Carol Bayer Sagar and Miles Davis in 1984.
Feb 14, 2023 11:26 AM
Burt Bacharach, who died in Los Angeles at age 94 on Feb. 8, was among the last of a small, oddly isolated island of…
Samara Joy gives her acceptance speech at the Grammys on Feb. 5.
Feb 7, 2023 12:02 AM
Jazz vocalist Samara Joy was crowned Best New Artist during this year’s Grammy Awards on Feb. 5. The deeply emotive…
“There was a time I decided I was not a composer, only an improvisor, and I find that very difficult to do with one hand,” Jarrett says. “Jumping off a cliff takes two hands and two feet.”
Mar 21, 2023 12:24 PM
Keith Jarrett can do more with his right hand than most pianists can with two. As he pulls the protective cloth from…