Search - George Garzone :: Moodiology

Dark thoughts

03/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A quite refreshing new look at jazz, Garzone provides a story in each song he plays. I assure future buyers, this is a "must have" cd for all jazz lovers. Just listen to the dark emotoins that stem from his horn. A cd unlike many out there."

Moodiology

Brian Currin | Chicago | 05/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"George Garzone is finding some new ground to play on and this new CD is really a joy to listen to. His playing is so sophisticated and different. Check this one out."

A true pro!!!!!!!!! Garzone is keeping it alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!

C. Katz | Peoples Republic Of Massachussettes | 06/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"George Garzone amazes me.Like other "younger" players he at once keeps the traditions alive and pushes new boundaries.Like Jerry Bergonzi,Rich Perry,and others who aren't household names they are out there playing standards and writing and iventing not for it sake but because the muse calls them.Here with the fabulous Kenny Werner on keys a solid Bob Lockwood on bass and an at times close to the edge Bob Gullotti they are joined by Ciare Dailey on baritone,Douglas Yates on alto and clarinet as well as Mike Maineri on vibes who also produced the album.They start with the title as prologue and go into a very free boppish "Hey,Open Up" and switch to a noir like ballad "Farewell To Athens" whjich not only showcases the beautiful tone and phrasing of the leader but a tight interplay between Werner who is lush and Maineiri.The drummer and basist are totally sympathetic.It's quite beautiful.The first of three standrds "Summertime opens up and where you might expect straight ahead this where the time signatures and melody get quite free of the tradition take."Simple" follows and is quite jaunty and here Claire Dailey plays in unison with Garzone and is followed by a very angular Doug Yates on alto.Then Coltranes "Naima" is followed and while the treatment they give is respectful and it is one of the most unique renditions you'll hear of it with a very Steve Lacy like playing by Garzone on soprano.It is so natural to play this tune close to the original it is great to hear a take which goes outside and returns to it's theme.Coltrane would have loved it.Next is the "The Other Mingus" which sounds like what you might think a Mingus/Ellington tune for the modern age.Lockwoood get's a solid bass solo accompanied by a simpatico Gullotti.The next tune "I'll Remember April" is another free wheeling outing where you think that Gullotti might go out of control but of course never does..A beautiful Ballad version of "Soul Eyes" follows and again you think noir.It could be a version you put on a compilation for friend."Planka" follows and has a quasi iberian and latin flair to it.Here you feel that basic direction is given out by Garzone but the solos (here again a terrific one by drummer Gullotti) are improvisation at it's best and when all three horns return to their unison playing in harmony is like a polka band gone jazz mad.The outro is the tile epilogue.Boy by the end of this CD your a bit tired.It's at once accessible and challenging respectful of tradition and modern creative.This is a great CD for the experienced listener.Highly recommended.

Peace

Chazz

As I always say better to give to Jazz Foundation Of America than some other charity.Feeding the sick,providing medicine and mosquito nets for malaria is what we should do (what was the campaign in the 90's "give 5%"???)but who thinks of jazz musicians famous and unknown who dedicated themselves to a largely marginalized art form and need help sometimes with everything from health care to shelter.Again I read the bio again recently of "Lucky" Thompson and it made me weep.Then I got out my checkbook again.

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