Search - Chris Cheek :: A Girl Named Joe

A Great Album

J. Rich | 11/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

""A Girl Named Joe," released in 1998 on Fresh Sound New Talent label is a great recording and really brings together many different elements of jazz in a unique, singular style. Chris Cheek, tenor saxophone, is the principal composer of all these tunes and it's very refreshing to hear a saxophone player who's melodic and has creative ideas for music, while still keeping a sense of time and rhythm in tact. This album is pretty "straight-forward" if you're a fan of this kind of post-modern jazz. I think Cheek owes alot to Miles Davis' music.



Chris Cheek is joined by guitar virtuoso, Ben Monder, who, with a doubt, sounds like himself on every recording he's made. He's probably one of the most original jazz guitarist since Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, and John Scofield. I would definitely put him in the same category as these great players. A truly one-of-a-kind player. Mark Turner, who doubles tenor saxophone with Cheek, is a good choice. He doesn't try to outplay Cheek or play over anyone, very tasteful player. Marc Johnson is on bass and is an obvious choice, because Marc is a jazz legend and a very sensitive and responsive player. I can't picture anyone on this recording handling the low end other than Marc. The drum duties are split between Jordi Rossy and Dan Rieser. Both drummers are great and do a fine job. They keep the time and keep things interesting. Between these two drummers and Marc Johnson, you've got a supportive and sympathetic rhythmic foundation for the soloists to do their thing.



I will say this album isn't for everyone. Since I'm a huge fan of Ben Monder's guitar playing, I picked this album up. I've also been enjoying Chris' sax playing on Paul Motian's album "Garden of Eden." You can't go wrong with this great album. Pick your copy up today!"