Guitarist-composer BrentCanter, born and raised in Los Angeles, California, wisely titled his debut recording for Posi-Tone Records “Urgency of Now.” One can hear he has a story to tell and is so ready to tell it. Joined by his working Trio ofAdam Klipple (organ) andJordan Perlson (drums) as well as special guests Pat Bianchi (organ on 3 tracks) and Seamus Blake (tenor saxophone), his music has well-formed melodies, is spacious when it needs to be and “rocks out” on several occasions. “Meet Me Halfway” features a guitar tone that may remind some of Carlos Santana as well as a strong melodic line built by both the guitarist and Bianchi. Perlson pushes and pulsates while the soloists ride his flow. Another fine melodic piece is “Settle Down“, a gentle ballad that is soulful and emotionally rich.
There are several tunes that really jump out of the speakers. “WithEyes Closed“ builds up from the drummer’s exciting opening salvo but, instead of going “all-out”, Blake and Canter read the melody as Klipple (who leads the quartet Drive-by Leslie) burbles beneath them. His solo starts in the lower registers of the organ and grows in intensity with the help of Perlson’s slashing drum work. Canter also starts in a subdued fashion but is soon pushing against the insistent drum work and big organ chords. Blake just “gets down” and rides the percussive waves to an exciting finish. “A Long Way From Home” is another tune that blends a soulful approach, forceful, funky, drumming, and spirited solos from all.
“Urgency of Now” has excellent sound; one can really pick out the individual instruments, even when the musicians are moving through intense sections. It should come as no surprise once you hear the fine music on this CD that Brent Canter won the 2011 ASCAP Young Composers Award. There are moments that his tone and attack remind this listener of John Abercrombie (especially in the way the elder guitarist builds his solos.) This impressive CD is yet another fine example how contemporary music continues to grow well into its 2nd century. For more information, go to www.brentcanter.com.
