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by Rick Holland
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 East Coast Cool | | Personnel: John McNeil, Trumpet; Allan Chase Bari sax; John Herbert, Bass; Matt Wilson, Drums; | | Tracks:Deadline, A Time to Go, Brother Frank, Bernie’s Tune; Duet #1; Delusions; Wanwood; Internal Hurdles; Duet #2; Waltz Helios; Schoenberg’s Piano Concerto; GAB | |
John McNeil
East Coast Cool
John McNeil’s new release East Coast Cool applies an East Coast vibe to an older West Coast phenomenon. John McNeil has created music that not only borrows elements from previous years, (his goal wasn’t to re-create this genre), but rather, music that communicates a modern sensibility to an older form. He then applies his unique creative element to a newly created musical sensibility. After all, the question seems to be asked, why play the same thing again? Who will actually create Chet Baker better than Chet himself? John’s goal is to leave his mark on music. This disc represents a clear trademark for a McNeil stamp on Jazz.
John is accompanied by a very creative band. On Bari is Alan Chase, a fine saxophonist from the Boston area. Alan is a perfect compliment to McNeil. He matches John’s sensibilities throughout, and plays very thoughtful improvisations. Matt Wilson is also a perfect compliment. Wilson and bassist John Herbert, are great listeners to this imaginative front-line, and provide thoughtful and swinging musical conversations!
There are a few musical items that really stand out to me on this recording. First, was the application of modern musical phrases. Check out Bernie’s Tune, the added riff on the “A” section and the play on half time on the bridge. The musicians then fly into original harmonic language in their improvisations. It’s unique, clever and true to how John is hearing lines these days. The tune is hip and original.
Another interesting take is the non-traditional harmonic language. Check out John’s clever adaptation of Shoenberg’s Piano Concerto. Just hearing Schoenberg line in this setting was surreal. I mean, we’ve heard classical-tonal melodies improvised on for decades now. Hearing and mirroring the phrases of Schoenberg is a truly ‘hip’ idea, and these musicians pull this musical task off beautifully!
Some sensibilities will never change in Jazz. What I mean here, is the sense of ‘swing” Matt Wilson and John Herbert provide is noteworthy accompaniment. Matt also provides nice counter punches throughout this disc, which makes the rhythm section a truly interesting listen. I love the way the two of these guys “listen’. For example on the end of John’s solo on Bernie’s Tunes, and handing off to Allan Chase, the rhythm section just plays so keyed- into what the front line is trying to do. Very improvisational, and very much on the same page. Hip indeed!!
The Duets between Allan and John are also nice indeed. There’s communication in the accapella line, and yet it’s played with a freedom that has the listener wondering if they will be on the same page!! The second Duet starts with Allan playing percussive punches through the bari and John countering with unique atonal responses. It’s as if they are creating percussion and sound duets through two wind instruments. It’s cool, yet at the same time very far removed from West Coast “sound”.
If you like new music, with clever adaptation to the Jazz genre, this is a disc to check out. McNeil is clever, creative and a grateful contribution to modern jazz. Thank-you John!!!
For more information on the music of John McNeil, please visit:
http://www.mcneiljazz.com/
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Rick Holland |
| About the author: |
| A versatile musician and veteran performer in organizations such as the Louie Bellson Big Band (Chicago Based Band), Jimmy Dorsey, Mike Pendowski, Rob Parton , Buddy De Franco, Buselli-Wallrab and Terry Gibbs Bands, Rick Holland brings a wealth of experience and musicality to each performance. |
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