Drew Gress: Chevelle

Track

Chevelle

Artist

Drew Gress (bass, electronic instruments)

CD

The Irrational Numbers (Premonition 90775)

Buy Track

Musicians:

Drew Gress (bass, electronic instruments), Ralph Alessi (trumpet), Tim Berne (alto sax),

Craig Taborn (piano), Tom Rainey (drums)

.

Composed by Drew Gress

.

Recorded: Brooklyn, NY, August 22-23, 2006

Albumcoverdrewgresstheirrationalnumbers

Rating: 91/100 (learn more)

Drew Gress is a highly intelligent composer, and it shows on "Chevelle." The harmonic line and rhythm, pinned down solidly by Gress, Taborn and Rainey, takes a jagged path but always reaches its destination. Even Alessi's and Berne's short horn chart zigs and zags around that elusive melody. In the midst of Gress's controlled storm of sounds are Taborn's calm, minimal chords that balance out of the rest of the instruments. As Gress and Alessi solo, the pianist chooses his spots carefully, giving the horn men space to express themselves effectively. About five minutes in, the choppy groove gives way to an extended free-flowing coda. It's in essence the same motif, but slowed down and given a slightly exotic flavor with discreet electronic washes. "Chevelle" revels in changing and conflicting moods that Drew Gress has deftly orchestrated.

Reviewer: S. Victor Aaron

Tags: ·

Comments are closed.