Search - Walker, Ken :: Terra Firma

"Walker" is a great name for a jazz bassist

Robert Fiore | Boulder, CO | 04/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It may be safe to say that most Denver-area jazz aficionados are already aware of Ken Walker. This album proves that he is worthy of, and ready for, broader recognition. Often affectionately referred to as "Professor", Mr. Walker teaches jazz at the University of Denver and through a jazz program at the University of Colorado. Several other performers on the CD are also jazz educators. There's enough going on to satisfy a jazz purist, but this isn't cerebral music to be enjoyed only by academics. Neither is this "easy listening" jazz, devoid of tension, funk, and soul. While the music is somewhat eclectic within the jazz realm, ranging from Broadway to bop to bluesy to bossa nova, Mr. Walker's bass lays a solid groove throughout. A hockey fan might draw an analogy between Mr. Walker's style and that of a very good "stay-at-home defenseman". Moments of bass virtuosity are present throughout the songs, but they are geared toward enhancing the team's performance, not attaining personal glory. If this is Mr. Walker's hallmark as a leader, his band-mates follow suit; virtuosity is present, but it is always about contributing to the group's sound.



I'll quickly describe the other band members. The front line is Peter Sommer on tenor sax, Al Hood on trumpet, and Dave Corbus on guitar. I've seen Peter Sommer perform several times, and have always liked his style. His lines always make sense to me; they draw me in and leave me satisfied with their message, intricacy, and intensity. I wasn't aware of Al Hood before, but will seek him out. Like Mr. Sommer, he finds a great balance between fire and message - very pleasing. Personally, I'm not very fond of jazz guitar; I often find that a guitarist's mere presence in a jazz ensemble detracts from my enjoyment. Mr. Corbus hasn't exactly converted me, but I respect his contributions to this CD. Benny Golson's liner notes praise his "warm sound", and I have to agree.



The rhythm section is rounded out by pianist Jeff Jenkins and drummer Paul Romaine. I've seen Mr. Jenkins perform a few times, leaving me with mixed feelings. While technically proficient, his ideas were sometimes too "out there" for me. On this CD, his solos and comping are in line with my jazz sensibilities. Nice work. I've also seen Mr. Romaine perform several times. He's always amazing, and does not disappoint on this CD either. He's so inventive, so musical, and he uses space and even occasional silence so effectively in his solos. You can hear him pick up on various soloists' musical ideas while comping, and "return volley" the idea back at the soloist.



Ken Walker's four compositions, as well as Mr. Jenkins' single contribution, hold up well next to others written by Cole Porter, George Coleman, Eddie Harris, and others. The production is solid without being over-produced. Mr. Golson's liner notes urge you to listen to each musician. While I agree with the sentiment, and think an appreciation of each component will aid in appreciating the whole, I'd also urge you to relax your focus on individual musicians sometimes, and bask in the total sound. I think that's what Mr. Walker would want.



Not unusual in the jazz world, most songs unfold according to a formula of (1) present the theme, (2) first soloist, (3) second soloist, (4) third soloist, etc. (always with interesting comping), and finally (x) restate the theme. Although I don't find this distracting, a little more structural adventure could have been interesting. But it doesn't warrant removing a star - and the intricate comping keeps the interest level high. On Amazon's scale, "I love it" is the right score.



I bought this CD at a nightclub concert promoting it. My expectation was that my dollars were being spent in support of local jazz musicians, and that I'd play the CD infrequently. Instead, I was wow-ed; this CD should probably be ranked among the top releases of 2005, though I'm not sure the label has the promotional power to achieve that.



But somehow you've found your way to this review. Act. Make the purchase.

"

Great CD!!

H. Meslin | Colorado | 12/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the best jazz CDs I own, out of over 1000 cds in my racks. Its only a matter of time before the rest of the country picks up on how good this sextet really is. They are not into self-promotion, simply playing music they enjoy. Very tight arrangements, strong bass lines without being overpowering and just a really nice sound. As I said, one of the best CDs I own, destined to be one of the best you own as well!! Makes a great holiday present to a jazz-lover. Can't wait for the next CD by this group."

Straight ahead...Good as any

Handlebar | Denver | 03/27/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've seen this sextet work on these numbers several times. Terra Firma reflects the work and effort; one thing its clear: they did not rush into this CD until the sound was ready.



Terra Firma rocks and allows all the talent to shine. This CD will give the Ken Walker sextet and the Colorado talent he has assembled national recognition that's long overdue. I look forward to more.



"