Adrian Cunningham Archive

Adrian Cunningham – Jazz Speak – Arbors Records 

by Audiophile Audition | Oct 23, 2017 | Jazz CD Reviews

Adrian Cunningham – Jazz Speak – Arbors Records ARCD 19457 61:14**** An album that has a welcoming combination of measured and harmonic expression ( Adrian Cunningham – tenor sax, clarinet, flute; Ted Rosenthal – piano; John Clayton – bass; Jeff Hamilton – drums) Multi-instrumentalist Adrian Cunningham’s latest release Jazz Speak takes a look at the jazz experience as a convergence of music and travel. As Cunningham says in the liner notes “ both music and travel takes you out of your comfort zone, stretch you, test you , and most importantly, connect you”. Working with a top notch trio composed of pianist Ted Rosenthal, bassist John Clayton, and drummer Jeff Hamilton, Cunningham brings his unique talent to a session of originals and other compatible material that are suitable to his high level of creativity. The album opens with one of those Cunningham originals “The Source” which speaks to a neighbourhood in Harlem to which the composer is attached. The number has a familiar bounce that is associated with the area and where Cunningham’s tenor sax delivers his interpretation with assurance. Each of the other band members chips in with a brief reassuring solo. Two recognizable numbers follow and are given […]