When sometimes we become what we were born for
Ian Muldoon | Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia | 06/24/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The title of this review is the name of the last track on this program of work by Andrea Keller who composed and arranged all 12 pieces. This is my first exposure to Ms Keller. Undoubtedly we are living through a period in improvised, perhaps all, music when the consumer - I hesitate to say listener - is subject to a multitude of reissues, compilations, and remastered classics of the genre that is somewhat overwhelming. Companies, such as CBS, are milking this market for all it is worth. For an emerging artist it must be incredibly difficult, firstly to get any attention from a producer, and secondly, to compete in such a market for the ears of the consumer. This year - 2006 - I have listened to three programs of music that were not reissues that compelled me from the opening notes to pay attention to what ultimately proved to be three outstanding works - Andrew Hill's TIMELINES, Charles Lloyd's SANGAM and Andrea Keller's ANGELS AND RASCALS. I found this surprising as the first two are established masters - such is the subjective nature of music and its enjoyment: but, its an enjoyment based on harmonic and melodic richness and rhythms that delight and not just one tune, but the care and attention that has gone into the programs. For example, on ANGELS AND RASCALS the piece Prague Ten, with an arranged repetitive motif for the horns with Danny Fischer serving us up with some "free" drumming seemlessly moves into Machine Gun Piano which has some interplay and collective improvisation and cooks.
For purposes of comparison for the seasoned jazz listener, I would say the work of David Berkman and his HANDMADE spring to mind. Which is to say, great care has gone into arrangements and programming as opposed to a blowing session.
The quartet consists of Ms Keller piano, Eugene Ball trumpet, Ian Whitehurst tenor, Danny Fischer drums augmented by Shannon Barnett Trombone, and Gian Slater voice.
I'll say up front that I am not a fan of voice in the jazz setting as so few appeal to me. However, Ms Slater uses her voice as another instument to enhance the overall colour of the works. The harmony of voice and trombone on 20/10 is especially effective. I am a fan of the piano, and Ms Keller's touch, control, feeling, and drive are everywhere evident.
Interest doesn't flag - which in itself says something. The highlight for me was RESTING PLACE which has superb work by all concerned but especially Mr Ball with
the breath of cymbal by Mr Fischer providing a lattice of support behind. The use of space in this work also reveals Ms Keller's exceptional feel for music. Hence the title of my review. Being born is one thing, but you have to put the love into the work you are destined for - Ms Keller clearly has.
Jim Keller's drawings and the overall package design and the warmth of the excellent recording by Mal Stanley make this one of my best purchases of 2006. One to own."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1