Hard bop jazz is alive in Connecticut…
Matt Dwonszyk – Live at the Sidedoor – CD – 73:00 – ****
(Matt Dwonszyk – bass; Josh Bruneau – trumpet; Matt Knoegel – tenor sax; Taber Gable – piano; Jonathan Barber – drums)
Great jazz artists are not just found in the jazz meccas of New York City, Chicago, and Detroit. Many of them, after college, do take a bite (or at least, a nibble) of the Big Apple, to pay their dues. But often, they then return to their hometowns ( often welcomed back as local heroes), and if they are lucky they find work at universities, where they receive health benefits, and tenure if their luck holds out.
Bassist, Matt Dwonszyk, studied at the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School, and put in time in New York, before returning to Hartford, Connecticut, where he has reunited with the quartet found on his latest CD, Live at the Sidedoor. The time the group has spent together is quite evident in their polish and ensemble playing, during their live 73 minute set.
It is prime hard bop, and draws an apt comparison to groups like One for All.
Opening with “Morning Dreams,” with Matt’s bass intro, and Taber Gable’s piano lines setting a mood, the two horns take charge. Trumpeter, Josh Bruneau, is a major talent, and he blows hot. We’re off to a great start.
“Frederiksplein” is a mellow blend, with easygoing sophistication. Matt Knoegel’s tenor sax has a soulful solo. You can tell the simpatico between the long time friends in the quintet. “Stage Dive” has a nice energy build up, while the calypso flavored “Mucho Fernet,” is a great change of pace.
“Ms. Smith” is a moody ballad with a late night vibe. The audience strongly reacts with vigor to “Billy’s Den,” with its repeating riffs and fiery trumpet, that would be right at home on a 60s Jazz Messengers Blue Note release.
“Alexandre The Great” provides a jolt of adrenaline, while the closer, “Mode for Rene,” (written as a tribute to Rene McLean), nudges into some “free” territory, especially from Knoegel, and then later, Bruneau, as well.
Lovers of hard bop would do well to check out Dwonszyk and Company on this superb live release. Its purchase can be found on the bandcamp.com website.
—Review by Jeff Krow
