DAVE JONES QUARTET - Answers On A Postcard
DJT 009
Ben Waghorn (tenor saxophone, flute); Dave Jones (piano, kalimba loop); Ashley John Long (doyble bass, vibraphone); Andy Hague (drums)
Recorded 12th November, 2018 & 28th February, 2019
Following up from the Key Notes album from 2017, pianist Dave Jones has retained the same personnel to present another set of original compositions that set the pulse racing and also reflect how he views his current musical progress and path. In the same way as the earlier set focussed on the quartet sound, dispensing with additional voices and settings, the pianist achieves a sense of continuity along with a development within his chosen point of reference that proves that this is an valuable area for him to mine.
As with everything he does, Jones throws all his energies into the music with three new pieces that not only engage the musicians, but will also have the listener on the edge of their seat. The compositions take on a somewhat tough stance. The themes are stated at the outset, before the quartet set out on their exploration of the material in hand. The title track kicks things off in fine style, with some bluesy tenor sax from Waghorn on the opening theme, before the rhythm section relax the tension and ease into a groove that the saxophonist makes the most of, allowing his notes to spill put of the horn and always landing right on the money.
'Kalimba Blues' has a nice relaxed feel with the tenor taking a casual stroll through the theme with just the right touch of attitude and swagger, before Jones takes the first solo with some lovely flowing lines that are not afraid to tousle at odds with bass and drums providing a delicious tension, released still further by a lovely solo on vibes from Ashley John Long. Ringing the changes, Waghorn switches to flute for 'The Power Of Burgundy' which is powered along at the perfect tempo by the rhythm section. Waghorn proves himself equally adept as a flautist, never sounding overly sweet but not to be overwhelmed by the rhythm section either, he delivers an intoxicating roller coaster of a solo that is a sheer delight. More in this vein, please?
Throughout the leader gently asserts himself, absolutely spot on in his accompaniment he is totally commanding when it his his turn to solo. There is a continuous and logical flow of ideas from Jones that ensure that his performances are totally compelling. As with his writing, Jones' playing is purely there to serve the music, never taking more that his fair of the limelight. The playing time on this EP maybe half of the expected playing time of the usual album but there is no chance that anyone will feel short changed, as this this format is seemingly becoming more and more popular with musicians who are then able to give a snapshot of where their music is at any given time, and the good news is that Dave Jones has another EP scheduled for release in early 2020. Until then followers of contemporary jazz at its best need look no fiurther.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
DJT 009
Ben Waghorn (tenor saxophone, flute); Dave Jones (piano, kalimba loop); Ashley John Long (doyble bass, vibraphone); Andy Hague (drums)
Recorded 12th November, 2018 & 28th February, 2019
Following up from the Key Notes album from 2017, pianist Dave Jones has retained the same personnel to present another set of original compositions that set the pulse racing and also reflect how he views his current musical progress and path. In the same way as the earlier set focussed on the quartet sound, dispensing with additional voices and settings, the pianist achieves a sense of continuity along with a development within his chosen point of reference that proves that this is an valuable area for him to mine.
As with everything he does, Jones throws all his energies into the music with three new pieces that not only engage the musicians, but will also have the listener on the edge of their seat. The compositions take on a somewhat tough stance. The themes are stated at the outset, before the quartet set out on their exploration of the material in hand. The title track kicks things off in fine style, with some bluesy tenor sax from Waghorn on the opening theme, before the rhythm section relax the tension and ease into a groove that the saxophonist makes the most of, allowing his notes to spill put of the horn and always landing right on the money.
'Kalimba Blues' has a nice relaxed feel with the tenor taking a casual stroll through the theme with just the right touch of attitude and swagger, before Jones takes the first solo with some lovely flowing lines that are not afraid to tousle at odds with bass and drums providing a delicious tension, released still further by a lovely solo on vibes from Ashley John Long. Ringing the changes, Waghorn switches to flute for 'The Power Of Burgundy' which is powered along at the perfect tempo by the rhythm section. Waghorn proves himself equally adept as a flautist, never sounding overly sweet but not to be overwhelmed by the rhythm section either, he delivers an intoxicating roller coaster of a solo that is a sheer delight. More in this vein, please?
Throughout the leader gently asserts himself, absolutely spot on in his accompaniment he is totally commanding when it his his turn to solo. There is a continuous and logical flow of ideas from Jones that ensure that his performances are totally compelling. As with his writing, Jones' playing is purely there to serve the music, never taking more that his fair of the limelight. The playing time on this EP maybe half of the expected playing time of the usual album but there is no chance that anyone will feel short changed, as this this format is seemingly becoming more and more popular with musicians who are then able to give a snapshot of where their music is at any given time, and the good news is that Dave Jones has another EP scheduled for release in early 2020. Until then followers of contemporary jazz at its best need look no fiurther.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
