This is a vibrant, eclectic acoustic jazz compilation.
Jack West – Essential Curvature – Otá Records OTA1038 180-gram translucent stereo double vinyl, ****1/2:
(Jack West – 6-string acoustic guitar; slide; 8-string acoustic guitar; Scott Proffitt – percussion; Jim Santi Owen – morsing; Calder Spanier – soprano saxophone; Brian Hill – 6-string acoustic guitar; Ricky Carter – percussion; Joel Davel – marimba; Steve Robertson – percussion; Mike Marshall – mandolin; Dean Magraw – 6-string acoustic guitar Peter Valsamis – drums; Scott Amendola – drums; Mark Summer – cello; Darian Gray – drums; Joel Davel – Marimba Lumina; David Phillips – pedal steel)
Jack West is an innovative acoustic jazz guitarist. His style (at times reminiscent of Michael Hedges) is a mixture of jazz, folk, rock and funk, usually performed on a 6-string or 8-string guitar. His band work (Curvature) is noted for improvisational acuity, rhythmic punctuation and multi-faceted instrumentation. From 1996-2003, they released five albums to critical acclaim. Otá Recoprds has released a sixteen-track compilation of Curvature songs, with an emphasis on his collaboration with various Bay Area musicians, including drummer Scott Amendola, cellist Mark Summer (Turtle Island Quartet) and marimba artist Joel Davel. Side A opens with “Big Ideas”. This is a pulsating groove-filled 8-string acoustic guitar number that has bluesy imagery and unique instrumentals (marimba, cello and drums). It is upbeat and has some nimble slide work. “Slinky” is also bluesy with unexpected sound effects, funky tempo and more slide work. On “Interaction Shift”, a steady cadence is hypnotic, pairing with a second guitarist (Dean Magraw) who deliver crisp jazz-infused solos. Davel’s marimba (who also solos) combines with drummer Peter Valsamis to create a Brazilian texture that is magnetic. “Not Touching” has a similar musical vibe, and the addition of soprano saxophone weaves exotic motifs into the arrangement.
In a slower groove, “This Life May Be Monitored” is replete with slides and note-bending on 8-string acoustic with interesting cello accents. West’s runs are precise and display impeccable timing. The dual guitar returns on “Moon With A View”. It is jaunty. The marimba (which is understated and at times delicate) and percussion (Ricky Carter) fit in seamlessly. West again executes note-bending slide runs that are evocative. A deliberate rhythm is maintained throughout “Something About The Dream”. West and Summer blend for a haunting reverie with Amendola in a rare trio performance. Picking up the pace, “Quarter Past Stockton” moves like a swaying country-jazz piece with tempo and atmospheric resonance. In another change, “Nigel’s Dream” reverses direction with West and Magraw switching lead and rhythm. The marimba is low-key and integral to the musical dynamics. Adding some funk attitude (“Oil Vein”), West, Carter and Davel establish a visceral hooked groove, while Spanier counters with some melodic runs and nuanced free form expression. “Colored Shells” is scaled down to West and Proffitt and the overall sound is soulful and relaxed. West is equally adept at complexity in quartet format with “Closer To The Sky”,“Helicopter” and “Backwards Over Bend”. Each arrangement is unique and showcases the genuine diverse approach to jazz. There are also unexpected touches like mandolin on the folk-driven “True South”. The finale, “Christina’s Song” is a sinewy, mellower translation that adds another layer to the creativity of these musicians.
Essential Curvature is a refreshing, inspired collection of acoustic jazz. The complexities of the different tracks (with very incisive liner notes by West) are notable. This sound mix is detailed with excellent stereo separation and the vinyl pressing (Bernie Grundman Mastering) is pristine.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Essential Curvature
TrackList:
Side A: Big Ideas; Slinky; Interaction Shift; Not Touching
Side B: This Life May Be Monitored (For Quality Assurance); Moon With A View; Something About The Dream; Quarter Past Stockton
Side C: Nigel’s Dream; Oil Vein; Colored Shells; Closer To The Sky
Side D: Helicopter; Backwards Over Bend; True South; Christina’s Song
