This compilation features some of the finest recent work by New Orleans jazz musicians, many of whom — Kevin Clark, Astral Project, Tom McDermott, Victor Goines, Charlie Miller, Steve Masakowski, Marvin Williams — have received ample coverage within these pages, and others which have not.
The best cut, for example, comes from Mas Mamones, a relative newcomer. Led by bassist Andy Wolf, this nine piece band displays its talent for infectious Afro-Cuban dance music on “Hey Boogaloo.” The percussion percolates wonderfully as the horns and flute dance gracefully over the groove; it’s hard to sit still to this one.
There are other surprises, such as Clarence Johnson’s outstanding “Struttin’.” Bill Huntington lays down a bassline which truly evokes “struttin’ into town,” as Johnson demonstrates his sax prowess. His lung power, range and technical vocabulary are kind of mind-boggling, and when he applies it to a well-arranged tune, you just sit back and shake your head.
Another great discovery is Plunge, led by trombonist Mark McGrain. Plunge’s “Trick of the Light” shows off master percussionist Bob Moses (Pat Metheny/Jaco Pastorius) laying down an intriguingly open-ended Caribbean/African/Second Line groove. Somehow the bizarre combination of double bass, tuba and trombone works over this flexible framework, creating a mind-bending new sound.
Probably the most “way-out” tune, however, belongs to Ed Peterson’s band The Test. The cut “Z” begins with Peterson’s sax over a Crescent flavored reggae lilt, courtesy Matt Perrine’s tuba and Brian Seeger’s guitar. Johnny Vidacovich’s drums add spice as the song builds into an extended electric guitar exploration by Seeger. The juxtaposition of this slightly distorted electric guitar at full tilt with all these acoustic instruments, especially the tuba, is at first disconcerting and then fascinating.
On his version of “Sweet Lorraine,” from the AFO Record A Time For Love, Phillip Manuel demonstrates why he is quickly becoming one of the most sought after jazz vocalists. His warm voice is extremely versatile, but he really shines on upbeat romantic tunes such as this.
To accentuate the new, this compilation ends with Entourage, a jazz/funk/rock outfit led by guitarist Reid Wick. They’ve been around for ten years, but rarely play clubs and until now have never recorded. The track “Pimento” shows off a hardcore funk electric bass line and “in the pocket” drums typical of Galactic drummer Stanton Moore. Sax, synth-keys and guitar all jam in front to create improvised jazz with the energy of rock.
The compilation does an excellent job presenting the varied styles, textures and flavors of the fertile New Orleans contemporary jazz scene, a reminder that New Orleans is still the heartland of jazz.
