Search - Drew Gress :: Heyday

Exellent writing and playing by bassist Gress

09/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the finest albums to come in a while. Drew is a highly imaginative composer and player. His writing is complex, but not in a overbearing, "in your face", way. The playing on the album is superb. David Binney and Ben Monder both create incredible atmospheres for Drew and drummer Kenny Wolleson to set up daring yet swinging grooves. Highly recommended."

Heyday .... The Gress way

Richard Grace | 03/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My family and I had the pleasure of a chance meeting with Drew Gress and his wife Barb in Florence in mid 1999. He is the kind of guy you like to strike up a conversation with and enjoy his easygoing yet keen sense of humour. One evening our conversation turned from sight seeing and Drews acrobatic attempts to rid the hotel Ungeresse of its population of free loading mosquitos, to our mutual interests in music. Drew showed us a review of his new release Heyday, trouble was none of us could understand Italian. We figured it must be good but I promised if I could get hold of the album I would and have a listen. Amazon.com faithfully delivered the CD all the way to Tasmania and so here is my review.With Heyday Drew has concieved and bought forth a highly innovative and original Jazz experience. His personality and talent must surely be reflected in the cohesion he achieves with his fellow musicians. The album is a fresh experience from the start with Drews original treatment of themes by Bartok in mikrokosmos#125 being embraced by his peers mssrs. Binney(alto sax) Monder (guitar) and Wollsen (drums & percussion). The highlight of the album for me is the pacy "one-man mexico city" just listen for the doubling of the melodic line between Binney & Monder - supurb stuff -.The piece progresses via a very interesting and moody harmonic prelude between Binney and Monder to an exciting and expectant exploration of Wollesens innovative percussion. This leads to a revisiting of the fine opening statement of one-man mexico city. I was also particularly impressed with the concept and creation of "becoming unravelled" it must be appreciated for Drews insistent though subtle bass,Monders use of harmonics,interjected with bold statements by Binney, fine drumming all leading to a complete unravelling.Overall the Album is a very crisp and cohesive production and concept, these guys enjoyed Drews ideas and compositions, cogratulations & full marks - it shows."