CLARK SOMMERS Ba(SH) - Peninsula
Outside In Records
Clark Sommers - bass; Geoff Bradfield - tenor & soprano sax; Dana Hall - drums
Chicago bassist Sommers has an impressive CV both as sideman and educator: his most high profile gig is probably holding down the bass chair for Kurt Elling’s band. The typographically challenging Ba(SH) Ensemble is a long-established solo project running alongside his other activities, and anyone expecting something along Elling lines will be in for a surprise: this is a set of modernistic originals played in the trio format that sacrifices some degree of textural variation to allow for a good measure of freedom and interplay, and aligns nicely with current trends.
The interaction between the players is paramount to the success of this kind of venture and its evident from the first listening that these guys are longtime friends, possessing the kind of empathy and trust that comes from a well evolved musical relationship. Sommer’s big-toned bass is central to the sound, leading the way with powerful ostinatos on ‘High Tide’ and making full use of the resonating open strings. There’s a modal, riff-based feeling to some of the writing, like ‘Morning Bell’ and the mellow, hypnotic ‘The Forgotten’ that suits the bass-led format, but the trio are versatile enough for Sommers to incorporate free blowing, as on ‘Going Around’ , and suggest more intricately plotted harmonic structures, as on the quizzically melodic ‘Maybe Never ‘’. Dana Hall is a mercurial polyrhythmic force throughout: Bradfield has a light, under-emphasised touch which actually makes the perfect balance for the muscular rhythm team. A highly characterful recording that manages to reach some impressive peaks while wearing its virtuosity lightly, this makes for a highly enjoyable listen.
Reviewed by Eddie Myer
Outside In Records
Clark Sommers - bass; Geoff Bradfield - tenor & soprano sax; Dana Hall - drums
Chicago bassist Sommers has an impressive CV both as sideman and educator: his most high profile gig is probably holding down the bass chair for Kurt Elling’s band. The typographically challenging Ba(SH) Ensemble is a long-established solo project running alongside his other activities, and anyone expecting something along Elling lines will be in for a surprise: this is a set of modernistic originals played in the trio format that sacrifices some degree of textural variation to allow for a good measure of freedom and interplay, and aligns nicely with current trends.
The interaction between the players is paramount to the success of this kind of venture and its evident from the first listening that these guys are longtime friends, possessing the kind of empathy and trust that comes from a well evolved musical relationship. Sommer’s big-toned bass is central to the sound, leading the way with powerful ostinatos on ‘High Tide’ and making full use of the resonating open strings. There’s a modal, riff-based feeling to some of the writing, like ‘Morning Bell’ and the mellow, hypnotic ‘The Forgotten’ that suits the bass-led format, but the trio are versatile enough for Sommers to incorporate free blowing, as on ‘Going Around’ , and suggest more intricately plotted harmonic structures, as on the quizzically melodic ‘Maybe Never ‘’. Dana Hall is a mercurial polyrhythmic force throughout: Bradfield has a light, under-emphasised touch which actually makes the perfect balance for the muscular rhythm team. A highly characterful recording that manages to reach some impressive peaks while wearing its virtuosity lightly, this makes for a highly enjoyable listen.
Reviewed by Eddie Myer
