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Brent Black reviews Fowser/Gillece “DuoTone”…

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www.criticaljazz.com

In 1958 Stan Getz and Cal Tjader released their Sextet recording originally on the Fantasy label. Leaning towards the West Coast Cool sound with a more bossa influenced swing, Getz and Tjader started a trend that is continued to this day with DuoTone from Ken Fowser and Behan Gillece. With the cool dialed back and the swing kicked up a notch we have ten original tunes that will undoubtedly be spoken of for years to come.
The rock solid quintet that plays with Fowser and Gillece are the literal musical perfect fit knowing when to push the ensemble forward and when to dial back the intensity to create a nice mix of the more traditional with the more spatial concept of the post modern. While the“West Coast Cool” sound has been reformulated or perhaps advanced as the idiom has progressed, the subtle Brazilian vibe is not lost and this is especially evident in the Fowser original “Bongo.” This breezy Brazilian bossa is infectious and adds marvelous texture to a release full of lyrical and melodic depth of field. “One For G” swings like a beast and may be the perfect closer for a release where versatility and spontaneity and the musical keys to the kingdom of this delightful outing. “Overcooked” opens the release and sets the table for a musical feast where the swing is served up just right!
The rhythm section is comprised of Donald Vega on piano, David Wong on bass and Willie Jones III on drums and is a first call section if ever there was one. Fifty four years ago Stan Getz and Cal Tjader recorded their Sextet record with an equally impressive rhythm section. WhileDuoTone is not intended as a follow up or copy, it is a more than fair artistic comparison of how the more things change the more they stay the same.
An exemplary release! 5 Stars
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Written by editor

April 1st, 2012 at 6:47 pm