I admit, when the bassist is the leader of a session, I usually pass. While the instrument is an integral part of the music, too many bassists don’t create compelling work on their own. Sure, Mingus is there, but I can’t think of any other’s whose albums I would buy just because they were leading it. Well, actually, now I can: Adam Lane.
Lane is a young player who can surely write a tune. A majority of the 9 self-composed tracks on this album from his Full Throttle Orchestra are memorable and enjoyable. There is some bop (“Avenue X”), some calypso (“The Schnube”), and most importantly, some achingly beautiful pieces of tender burning (“Without Being” and “Sienna”). The arrangements at time are Mingusy, but the modern burn of John Finkbeiner’s guitar prevent one from over-considering that possibility.
Perhaps the most impressive composition of this outing is “Sienna.” It’s a gorgeous and tender ballad, but still maintains a certain roughness. There is no airbrushing here. We get the true thing, and the connection we can make through this tune is very present. I have often thought that the best art, no matter what the medium, immediately resonates inside our souls and speaks, “I understand being human too.” Mingus often captured that feeling, conjuring up the passion and anger inside all of us. In “Sienna” Lane brings us a longing so deep that we can feel the same tension and anticipation as he feels. It is a rich, full, and mature love for another authentic person, not just the idea of a person.
A word about Lane’s bass playing. His compositions are often supported by a simple strong bassline, and he doesn’t forget it when soloing. When the bass player gets their chance to shine, they often forget their role as a timekeeper and tension builder. Lane never leaves that role behind, and continues with the ebb and flow of the music, while sounding unrestrained in his improvisation. No need to fear these bass solos. So, make sure you’ve got some weight in the low end when you listen to this, you won’t want to miss a thing. (This recording is available directly from clean feed, from emusic as a download, and at The Jazz Loft and Cadence.)
January 23, 2007 at 2:27 am |
Dave Holland and Ben Allison are also notable bassists/composers/leaders.
January 25, 2007 at 4:58 am |
On the subject of bassist/composers, let me show some hometown love and put in a good word for Neal Caine as an up-and-coming talent. He’s a St. Louis native who’s done road time with Harry Connick but whose first CD as a leader, Backstabber’s Ball, is more in the vein of Holland’s “Conference of the Birds” – some very nice composing and arranging, getting a lot from the sonic resources offered by a pianoless quartet (two reeds, bass and drums).
January 25, 2007 at 8:43 am |
Thanks for the recommendations. My knowledge of the music is not encyclopedic, so it’s nice to hear some new ideas. I’ll keep my eye out for their recordings.
August 3, 2008 at 4:12 pm |
Very nice!!