Search - Jeff Beal :: Three Graces

Great Writting, Playing, and Production.

drumming | 11/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jeff Beal has written some great tunes here. In order to bring them to life, he has picked some stellar musicians.Steve Tavalognie is one LA's top sax players who complements the melodies while telling some nice stories solo-wise.John Patitucci is arguably the best bass player alive in the context of versatility and technique. He has a wide catalog himself, all worth checking out.Steve Cardeneas plays guitar on this CD. This CD was one of his first "big" sessions and he fits right in with these heavy hitters. Steve lives in NY currently playing with Bob Moses.In the drum chair we have two drummers both regarded as the TOP guys in the jazz/fusion genre currently. Dave Weckl played with Chick Corea for may years, along with Mike Stern and Lee Ritenour. This CD in particualr brings out a side of Dave's playing not heard anywhere else. The second drummer is none other than Vinnie Colaiuta. Vinnie manages to once again find the delictae balance between finesse and aggresion. He plays for the music and still his identity shines through, particularly on a tune in 5. Having played with Frank Zappa odd meter is one of Vinnie's forte's. John Beasly plays piano on this disc and does a fantastic job of finding the right plays to play, and (even hearder) when NOT to play. Filling in the holes where needed and complementing the melody is a task not many can do the way John Does."