Matthew Stevens Archive

Chet Doxas – Rich in Symbols – Ropeadope

by Audiophile Audition | Dec 15, 2017 | Jazz CD Reviews

Chet Doxas – Rich in Symbols [TrackList follows] – Ropeadope, 39:09 [9/8/17] ****: Do paintings have a sound? (Chet Doxas – woodwinds, synth; Matthew Stevens – guitar; Zack Lober – bass; Eric Doob – drums; Dave Douglas – trumpet (track 6); John Escreet – piano (track 5); Dave Nugent – guitar (tracks 1, 3, 5); Liam O’Neil – synth, producer, mixer) One person’s art is another person’s music. That’s the essential idea behind Chet Doxas’ latest album, the 39-minute Rich in Symbols. The Canadian musician (who now calls Brooklyn home) was inspired by NYC’s 1975-1985 art movement and artists such as Robert Mapplethorpe, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Fab Five Freddy and others who gave a jolt to modern art. Doxas states his seven originals were written by ear while looking at his favorite NYC mod-art paintings in various museums throughout New York City. To bring his modern jazz to life, Doxas (on woodwinds and synth) brought together his quartet (guitarist Matt Stevens, bassist Zack Lober and drummer Eric Doob) with several guests. Doxas may be known for his stint in the Canadian pop/rock Sam Roberts Band, but he’s best heard fronting his own group. It’s impossible to tell which tune […]