Search - Hans Fahling Quintet, Rob Davis, Matt Walsh :: Before Tomorrow

9 TRACK CD ALBUM -------- This dedicated, Seattle-based guitarist has wasted no time launching his professional career. For the last year, while completing his work at Cornish, he has gigged constantly with his current quintet. He has also planned tours of both the West Coast and of his native Germany. And he has put together the material for this first release of original music. It features such notable players as Julian Priester and Phil Sparks, and it pays dividends on Fahling's drive and dedication.

Amoung features that set this CD apart are heads that resonate with the sounds of cool-jazz era Miles, a fat guitar sound and improvisatory lines reminiscent of John Abercromvie, and a mysterious reverbed tone. In contrast to some contemporary jazz guitarists, Fahling never overpowers his group. Whether layering warm, echoey chords beneath the horns or running in tandem with Sparks' bass, the smooth walk of Fahling's playing meshes with the ensemble's texture.

That texture owes much to the rainy-day cymbol work of Steve Korn, the sharp horn of Matt Walsh, and Sparks' thoughtful dark groove.