Jared Gold – Out Of Line – Posi-Tone Records PR8067, 50:54 ****½:
(Jared Gold – organ; Chris Cheek – saxophone; Dave Stryker – guitar; Mark Ferber – drums)
Jared Gold is a big part of the jazz organ resurrection. Influences such as Jack McDuff, Larry Young and Don Patterson, have shaped a distinctive approach to his music. In the place of pedestrian blues and R & B riffs, he has shaped a cerebral bond with both compositional and auditory themes. This flexibility has led to work with John Abercrombie, Bill Goodwin, Ed Stryker, Ralph Peterson, Randy Napoleon and Dave Stryker, who would form and organ trio with Gold and Tony Reedus. Their album, The Chaser, received critical acclaim and led to recording sessions with Randy Napoleon, Avi Rothbard Trio, William Ash Trio, and the Dan Pratt Organ Quartet. Signed to the cutting-edge label, Posi-Tone Records, he recorded both Solids and Stripes, and Supersonic, emerging as a promising bandleader and arranger.
With Out Of Line, Gold has traversed the jazz landscape with lyrical expression and a dexterous touch. Utilizing a basic trio format (with Dave Stryker on guitar, and Mark Ferber on drums), the addition of saxophonist, Chris Cheek has impacted the overall tone. The opening track, Hank Mobley’s “An Aperitif” percolates with a dazzling organ solo, leading into a ferocious sax run that culminates in a dual line flourish that closes the piece. “The Stone Age’ continues the furious dynamic between sax and organ, with spontaneity and dissonance. An up tempo version of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Skylark” uses pace and biting organ lines that breathe new life into this standard.
Gold’s originality surfaces on two R & B covers. Rather than throw a funky groove template at “You Haven’t Done Nothin’ Yet”, the organ delves into the melody, adding a jazz sensibility with both rhythm and atmospheric coloration. A gospel introduction and dual lead with guitar on “La-La (Means I Love You)” give an unexpected poignancy to a soul ballad. Perhaps the most rousing track is “Preachin”. With its evocative southern influence, the depth of Gold’s songwriting and peerless elegance is highlighted. Another Gold composition, “It Is Well” displays an ethereal hymn-like modality. The understated delivery and brooding introspection are compelling.
Out Of Line is a bona fide jazz statement that will enliven any record collection.
TrackList: An Aperitif; Preachin’ Out Of Line; You Haven’t Done Nothin’ It Is Well; Down South; The Stone Age; La-La (Means I Love You); Skylark.
