The Adobe Flash Player is required to watch videos on this page
Share
| Hometown |
Morton Grove, IL
|
| Genres |
|
| Band Members |
Frank Caruso/Jim Massoth
|
| Achievements |
|
| Upcoming Shows |
None
|
Top 10 in Jazz, June 2010
May 2010 Jazz
Top 10 in Jazz, June 2010
May 2010 Jazz
by
Chicago Jazz MagazineSongs From the Jazz Kingdom, a collaborative effort between saxophonist Jim Massoth and pianist Frank Caruso, could have just as easily been called "Groove." It starts out with an irresistible...
by
Chicago Jazz MagazineSongs From the Jazz Kingdom, a collaborative effort between saxophonist Jim Massoth and pianist Frank Caruso, could have just as easily been called "Groove." It starts out with an irresistible groove, and its finest moments are great because of the tasty grooves that are heard throughout. It's obvious that a lot of time went into putting together a fine set list for this album, and the care and craft put into this disc can be easily heard.
The disc starts off with Cedar Walton's "Bolivia," a fantastic tune that doesn't get played nearly as often as it should. The groove laid down on this tune deserves a review all of its own. Jonathan Paul and Bob Rummage really dig in here from the git-go, and Caruso's punctuations take the whole thing up a notch. Of course, it goes without saying that Jim Massoth sounds fantastic here as well. It's a wonderful way to get an album moving.
The most shocking revelation on this disc, though, is their take on Sam Rivers' "Beatrice." It's a beautiful ballad that's been getting some notice as of late because of beautiful, lilting renditions by Joe Henderson, Chet Baker and others. But Massoth and Caruso actually decide to give the tune some teeth, and the results are excellent. They don't play it much faster than we're used to hearing it, but they play it with more intensity, and the difference is striking. They stretch out on this one quite a bit, and it's certainly a highlight.
Also on the semi-obscure tip, they take cracks at Freddie Hubbard's "Crisis" and Sonny Rollins' "Blue Seven." They do both songs justice, and considering the sources here, that's no small feat.
As one would expect, these guys are quite adept at playing ballads, and they shine on Cole Porter's "Every Time We Say Goodbye." Massoth's tone is simply beautiful, as is Frank Caruso's comping behind him.
There is much great music to be found on Songs From the Kingdom of Jazz, and one listening should have you convinced that you need to run out and buy a copy.
- Paul Abella
Paul Abella is the Music Director at 90.9 fm WDCB Public Radio. He may be contacted at www.wdcb.org.
By: Paul Abella
