Search - Ted Nash & Still Evolved :: In the Loop

Nicely builds on his very fine previous disc with the same b

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 09/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nash, leader on a clutch of discs of wildly varying success, here records his finest session yet. I was entirely taken by his last session with the Still Evolved band, but this one tops it.



Ted Nash is growing into a wonderfully nuanced tenor sax player--extremely precise, yet displaying a highly charged emotional intensity, very attractively present throughout this session, but most prominent on the ballad numbers ("Kensington High," "Zaba's Dream," and "The Cubist," perhaps not really a ballad; more like a slow samba). He's also developing into a fine composer, deftly handling everything from Paris Hot Club numbers ("Cafe Dupa") to extend suite-like pieces ("Durning's Dance," perhaps the boldest and most accomplished cut, with is bloozy-postbop-elegiac vibe, shifting rhythms, and stunning architecture), to modernist statements ("The Cubist" and "Push," three-and-a-half minutes of pure excitement).



The band is among the most accomplished in modern jazz, right up there with the Claudia Quintet, Medicine Wheel, and The Dave Holland Quintet. Pianist Frank Kimbrough needs no introduction to anyone at all familiar with the Jazz Composers Collective, purveyors of perhaps the finest jazz being made on the planet today. Do check out his handful of remarkable sessions as leader, as well as his regular gig as pianist in Ben Allison's Medicine Wheel. He simply amazes here with his telepathic comping and glorious soloing, and does nothing to diminish his growing reputation as one of the absolute finest jazz pianists active today. Ben Allison, somewhat more subdued than on his Medicine Wheel outings, nevertheless provides the perfect grounding to this music and shines especially on "Durning's Dance" and "Cafe Dupa." Matt Wilson, practically the Palmetto label's house drummer, fits in perfectly, always finding the exact percussive sensibility to frame and propel the adventurous compositions.



The revelation for me is Marcus Printup (trumpet). I've heard him several times before, but he's never sound so good (at least to these ears). Whether engaging in clever front-line dialog with leader Nash ("Push"), navigating tricky unison lines morphing into virtuoso harmonies ("Cafe Dupa"), or providing brilliant coloration ("The Cubist"), he brings spot-on intonation, a polished-but-fat tone, and monster chops.



It all comes together for Ted Nash and Still Evolved on this spectacular recording. May very well be my disc of the year. In any case, highest recommendation."

Out In The Loop

David Zehring | La Veta, CO United States | 03/11/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is challenging music. Ted Nash is joined by Marcus Printup on trumpet, Frank Kimbrough on piano, Ben Allison on bass and Matt Wilson on drums for a nine-composition recording that constantly surprises and challenges the listener. None of this is "straight ahead", the ensemble playing is tightly arranged and the improvizations often explore unfamiliar ground.



These days, small bands with horns often place considerable emphasis within the composition on ensemble playing. Bands led by Miguel Zenon, Kenny Garrett, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Dave Holland devote nearly as much time to the ensemble as to the soloist, and this band, called Ted Nash & Stll Evolved, joins that good company.



Ted Nash takes an angular approach to improvisation, with all the sharp turns that adjective implies. Marcus Printup continues to mature as a soloist, and Frank Kimbrough seems to be exploring territory similar to that explored by his contemporary, Jason Moran. Allison and Wilson fit right in.



If you're already a fan of Ted Nash and this edgy style, you'll welcome this CD to your collection. If you're unfamiliar with the genre, this is a good way to get an introduction."

Nash's Best Overall Album

Scott Williams | Oakland, CA United States | 01/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Overview:

This is perhaps Nash's most straight forward CD. The style of the album is post bob/hard bop. The thing that makes this album stand out over Nash's other albums is the stellar song writing and the fantastic solos. In the loop features cleverly written songs from start to finish with a variety of moods and tempos. Each song has a nice balance between melodic parts, and free space for blistering solos. Nash is joined by a killer group featuring Ben Allison on bass, Frank Kimbrough on piano, Marcus Printup on trumpet and Matt Wilson on drums.



Song Highlights:

Kensington High - This airy stroll through a park reminds me of Herbie Hancock's Dolphin Dance.



Gritty Ditty - This song features gritty stomping solos throughout. Marcus Printup starts things off with his best solo of the CD. Absolutely down and dirty and wonderful. His solo segues into an unaccompanied piano solo by Kimbrough that reminds one of silent film music from the 1930's. Nash follows this up with another nice solo.



Push - This percussive up tempo piece has nice interactive melody lines that feature the entire group. This one will get you tapping along with it.



The Cubist - The main melody features haunting horn wails. Printup's and Nash's sounds really blend well on this one.



Cafe Dupa - Great bass solo by Allison on this one.



This is a great album from start to finish, all songs are great. Hard to imagine anyone being disappointed with this release.

"