Search - Tony Grey :: Chasing Shadows

Intense

hanyi ishtouk | Budapest, Hungary | 06/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"thoroughly composed and tastefully arranged set of 9 originals from (a) nephew of John McLaughlin's, amalgamating components of contemporary fusion, new age/world/smooth jazz -- though certainly not of the ultra-lightweight, feel-good background buzz (so) prevalent around shopping malls and yuppie cafés -- in such a stylistically cohesive manner which might appeal to a wide audience. Whether it comes to intricate unison lines, pulsating grooves or well-structured, melodic solos, Tony Grey is equally at home, with his formidable right-hand technique (in similar vein to such notables as Matt Garrison, Gary Willis, Dominique Di Piazza) and commanding yet at the same time subtle control being demonstrated on 5 & 6-string bass guitars.



The recruitment of a dozen highly competent and gifted young musicians in different settings for the album at hand pays off magnificiently. To wit: the non-intrusive and resourceful presence of keyboardist Oli Rockberger is indispensable throughout the set (make note of his impro, while scatting along á la George Duke, on cut 6); as well as hardly could one wish for more awesome drummers for a project like this than the relatively unknown Ronald Bruner, Jr. and Chris Dave; the characteristic sound of bass trumpet, let alone intriguing improvisation, is seldom heard in a context which is Elliot Mason's task to tackle elegantly; the welcome colouring from Gregoire Maret's harmonica also merits attention.



The memorable pieces, imho, are the sprightly and carefree 'walking in walking out' and 'peace of mind', the former of which has chord progression and musical exchange b/w piano and soprano sax (Bob Reynolds) being vaguely suggestive those of Yellowjackets. The true gems are 'no mans land' and 'dark within' (this latter one w/ Japanese pianist(ess) Hiromi aboard), both of which feature guitarist Tim Miller's triplet-laden, legato chops cascading, if we are not mistaken, via the modulated output of chorus-reverb effects -- regarding possible influence(s), Allan Holdsworth and Bill Connors come to mind.



Other offerings include the scenic title song 'chasing shadows', the solemn 'guiding light', the lyrical 'don't look for love', and the slightly anthem-like 'where does it end'. running time: 63.05 min.

If you like this CD, the self-produced, eponymous debut album by Matt Garrison (2000, GJP) can be a rewarding find, too!"