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The Jazz Word on David Weiss “Venture Inward”…

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Trumpeter David Weiss, founder of notable groups such as The Cookers and the New Jazz Composers Octet, explores the wide open sounds of late 1960s jazz onVenture Inward with his quintet Point of Departure. With tenor saxophonist J.D. Allen, guitarist Nir Felder, bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Jamire Williams, Weiss sheds new light on overlooked compositional gems by Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams, Andrew Hill and Charles Moore.

Weiss’ power as a soloist stems from a deep understanding of the era emulated on the recording. His acrobatic leaps on Hancock’s “I Have a Dream” and Williams’ “Black Comedy” swing with fiery intensity. Although Williams’ tune is associated with his work with Miles Davis, Weiss approaches it with the gusto of his mentor Freddie Hubbard. “Number 4” and “Snuck In,” by trumpeter Moore, come from the somewhat obscure Contemporary Jazz Quintet, a group out of Detroit led by the late pianist Kenny Cox. “Number 4” is a high point of the session, featuring outstanding solos by Weiss, Allen, Felder and drummer Williams, whose intuitive mingling with bassist Curtis is electrifying.

The title track, from Hill’s Blue Note session Grass Roots, is taken slightly slower than the original but maintains the tune’s infectious bounce and abundant energy. “Pax,” also from Hill, is a poignant ballad that utilizes the orchestral possibilities of the quintet. Here, Allen’s gentle approach brings a welcome contrast to the decidedly muscular proceedings.

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Written by editor

February 20th, 2013 at 1:08 am

Posted in Reviews

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