Posi-Tone Swingtet – One for 25 – Posi-Tone PR8208 – 67:35 – ****1/2
Idle Hands – Solid Moments – Posi-Tone PR8205 – 60:43 – ****
Farnell Newton – Rippin’ & Runnin’ – Posi-Tone PR8206 – 46:02 – ****
For fans of straight ahead swinging jazz, the Posi-Tone label fits the bill quite nicely. For 25 years now, label owner, Marc Free, has delivered the goods. Marc has provided a forum for both young up-and-coming jazz musicians, as well as providing a home for established stars to share their expertise as mentors and ace sidemen, to help attract listeners to check out new talent. The common denominator is a distinct swing feel that is appreciated by fans of hard bop, both reinvigorating standards, and new compositions that will surely stand the measure of time.
I have always depended on the label for employing major saxophonists (Doug Webb, Mike DiRubbo, and Ralph Bowen), and especially brass stalwarts such as Joe Magnarelli, Jim Rotondi, Steve Davis, and Michael Dease to help broaden the sound stage of their younger roster of pianists, guitarists, and Hammond B-3 players. Through a constant issue of releases over the years, the label has helped launch the careers of Jared Gold, Brian Charette, Ken Fowser, and Behn Gillece. This year Marc Free has issued some collective efforts from roster mates that have caught my eyes (and ears..)
A major stand-out is a 25th anniversary “Swingtet” of trumpet, trombone, and alto/tenor/baritone saxophonists, backed by a rhythm section anchored by ace veterans, bassist, Boris Koslov, and star drummer, Rudy Royston. Theo Hill and Art Hirahara share the piano duties. Immediately apparent is the polished ensemble playing of the horns. The arrangements are tight, and swing from the git-go. Trumpeter, Farnell Newton, has the power and panache to both blast and soothe, while Michael Dease’s trombone timbre places him in the upper echelon of present day ‘bone players. Alto and tenor saxists, Patrick Cornelius, and Diego Rivera, fit right in. Bari saxophonist, Lauren Sevian is featured on four tracks.
Michael Dease wrote “You Dig” and you will.. Rivera’s “Eudaimonia” follows, and his tenor solo has a mellowness that will please. “For Morgan” begins with a horn fanfare leading to a tender Americana piano solo from Art Hirahara. Patrick Cornelius wrote the tune, and it is a deeply moving dedication, making the listener appreciate how special “Morgan” is. “Schlep City” is a hard bop destination. Boris Koslov ( a major in the iconic present day New York City Mingus tribute bands), provides a stunningly beautiful “Major Waltz,” which highlights Michael Dease on trombone.
Another collective effort from the label, is a sextet featuring only a single saxophone, letting the rhythm section back guitarist, Will Bernard, and vibraphonist, Behn Gillece. Art Hirahara returns on piano, as does Boris Koslov on bass, while drummer, Donald Edwards, also an alumnist of the Mingus Dynasty, holds down the drum chair. Titled, Solid Moments, a take-off of Grant Green’s legendary Blue Note album, Idle Moments, the sextet is given the name Idle Hands. Will Bernard’s guitar and Behn Gillece’s vibes are largely given center stage supported by Sam Dillon’s tenor sax. Gillece has become a major talent both as a leader on Posi-tone, and partner with tenor saxist, Ken Fowser. Most of the tracks were written by the band members, with the addition of Stevie Wonder’s “You and I” and the closer, Freddie Hubbard’s “Theme for Kareem.”
Will Bernard’s prodigious guitar skills are shown on his track, “Silver Bullet.” Sam Dillon’s “Motion” is a waltz where the group’s cohesion is quite apparent. Koslov’s “Over the Fence” has guitar and vibes romp, before Dillon’s soulful tenor steps up. Boris’ tunes have such a gift of effortless swing, and he shows his talents again on “Ashes.” Gillece is headed for the stars on vibes, and his mallets make “Snow Child” special, as does Art Hirahara on piano, on this Donald Edwards’ composition.
As a Portland, Oregon resident, I have had the chance many times to experience the trumpet talents of Farnell Newton. Farnell has the power and swagger of Freddie Hubbard, as well as a love for funk leading his group, The Othership Connection. On his new Posi-Tone CD, Rippin’ & Runnin’, he does just that in a mainstream/ soul jazz quartet, with Brandon Wright on tenor, Brian Charette, on organ, and the great drummer, Rudy Royston. The opener, “The Roots” explores Farnell’s formative years in Philadelphia. Everyone in the quartet gets a chance to shine, and their symbiosis is evident.
“The Five A.M. Strut” from Portland’s talented composer, Ezra Weiss, is a funkfest, that would be right at home post midnight when the audience is fully relaxed and well lubricated. Brandon Wright’s tenor goes off on a tear. Wright brings another hip tune, “Another Day Another Jones.” “Holding Still” has Farnell cooking, while Brian Charette percolates in the background. Rudy Royston burns on high heat late on this tune.
Newton wrote the ballad, “Little Bird Rose” for his wife, and Charette’s solo encapsulates the tenderness of the song. The title track brings out the manic energy of living and performing in The Big Apple. The CD concludes with Ellington’s “Come Sunday.” Its spiritual vibe brings you into a church service milieu.
Happy 25th Anniversary Posi-Tone. These three CDs are evidence of a label that fosters jazz talent, and concentrates on consistent quality releases, both pleasing to long term jazz fans, as well as newcomers wanting to be introduced to the joys of swinging jazz.
Posi-Tone Swingtet: One for 25
Farnell Newton – trumpet; Patrick Cornelius – alto sax; Diego Rivera – tenor sax; Michael Dease – trombone; Lauren Sevian – baritone sax; Art Hirahara or Theo Hill – piano, Rhodes; Boris Koslov – bass; Rudy Royston – drums
Tracklist– You Dig, Eudaimonia, Avalanche Suspended, For Morgan, Dry Clean Only, Projection, Schlep City, Big Pictures, Extraction, Major Waltz, Simon, Where with All
Idle Hands: Solid Moments
Will Bernard – guitar; Behn Gillece – vibes; Sam Dillon – tenor sax; Art Hirahara – piano; Boris Koslov – bass; Donald Edwards – drums
Tracklist– Barreling Through, Silver Bullet, Over the Fence, Snow Child, Event Horizon, Maxwell Street, You and I, The Move, Ashes, Dock’s House, Motion, Theme for Kareem
Farnell Newton: Rippin’ & Runnin’
Farnell Newton – trumpet; Brandon Wright – tenor sax; Brian Charette – organ; Rudy Royston – drums
Tracklist– The Roots, The Five A.M. Strut, Another Day Another Jones, Holding Still, Little Bird Rose, Gas Station Hot Dog, Rippin’ & Runnin’, Come Sunday
—Jeff Krow
