Chuck Deardorf – Transparence – Origin Records 82587, 66:51 ***½:
The latest CD issued by Seattle resident bassist Chuck Deardorf, entitled “Transparence”, is a bit of a mash-up but in a good way. Bringing together a number of dependable musicians from the North West, along with several high profile visitors, these sides were recorded between 2007 and 2010 and present Deardorf and friends in a variety of settings and musical styles.
Given the iteration of musicians on the various tracks, it may make more sense to talk about the disc in that format, rather than on a track by track basis. The ever-consistent Bill Mays on piano is featured on “Collage”, “The Peacocks “and “Moon And Sand “and brings his open, measured, and animated approach to the proceedings. In addition, on the two former tunes the unhurried saxophone playing of Hans Teuber on both alto and tenor added texture to the tracks. Deardorf’s unwavering bass supported the group’s efforts. The inventive guitarist Bruce Forman is the featured player on “Alone Together”, “Bruzette” and the Nat Cole-recorded classic “Sweet Lorraine”. Forman’s brilliant playing provided a combination of tenacity and beauty to the offerings.
Another Seattle stalwart, Richard Cole, lent his tenor sax to the Deardorf original “Creatinine” and provided an exciting reading of this composition. Also featured is guitarist Rick Peckham, who did yeoman work on the Jobim original “Zingaro”.
While a little more consistency from track to track might have been appreciated, nevertheless the disc provides some interesting contrasts and offers some top notch playing.
TrackList: Collage; Alone Together; Dear Prudence; Bruzette; Moon And Sand; De Mansinho; Sweet Lorraine; Zingaro; Creatinine; The Peacocks
— Pierre Giroux
