LOGAN RICHARDSON - Shift
Blue Note Records
Logan Richardson (alt) Pat Methney (gtrs) Jason Moran (pno, fen rho) Harish Raghavan (bs) Nasheet Waits (drs)
This is the first recording as leader on a major label for this Kansas City born saxophonist. Since leaving Berklee College Of Music he has enjoyed a high profile on the New York City club scene as well as recording regularly with Billie Hart's group. His new group Shift includes established big hitters Pat Metheny and Jason Moran alongside fast rising stars Harish Raghavan and Nasheet Watts. The leader himself has a hard edged and clipped delivery on alto along with a very individual and refreshing approach to improvisation. Most of the solos on the eleven originals are brief, the overall sound of the band being tightly arranged and full of group interplay. The guitar dominates most of the time with the regular use of various special effects which do enhance the overall soundscape and keep interest alive. Jason Moran's piano is superb throughout and centers the band when required. Bass and drums play more than adequately but have little space to really shine.
Some of the pieces seem academic and somewhat lacking in emotion, however there are a number of notable exceptions including the ballad like "Locked Out Of Heaven" where alto and guitar converse well together over rolling drums. "Slow" opens with a considered piano introduction and as the strong theme developes the leader delivers a lyrical and impassioned solo. The standout cut "Alone" features two further telling piano interludes along with an outstanding guitar contribution, before the leader closes out at his most engaging and sultry best.
Not the easiest of listens, but with enough high points to predict success for this group over the longer term.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
Blue Note Records
Logan Richardson (alt) Pat Methney (gtrs) Jason Moran (pno, fen rho) Harish Raghavan (bs) Nasheet Waits (drs)
This is the first recording as leader on a major label for this Kansas City born saxophonist. Since leaving Berklee College Of Music he has enjoyed a high profile on the New York City club scene as well as recording regularly with Billie Hart's group. His new group Shift includes established big hitters Pat Metheny and Jason Moran alongside fast rising stars Harish Raghavan and Nasheet Watts. The leader himself has a hard edged and clipped delivery on alto along with a very individual and refreshing approach to improvisation. Most of the solos on the eleven originals are brief, the overall sound of the band being tightly arranged and full of group interplay. The guitar dominates most of the time with the regular use of various special effects which do enhance the overall soundscape and keep interest alive. Jason Moran's piano is superb throughout and centers the band when required. Bass and drums play more than adequately but have little space to really shine.
Some of the pieces seem academic and somewhat lacking in emotion, however there are a number of notable exceptions including the ballad like "Locked Out Of Heaven" where alto and guitar converse well together over rolling drums. "Slow" opens with a considered piano introduction and as the strong theme developes the leader delivers a lyrical and impassioned solo. The standout cut "Alone" features two further telling piano interludes along with an outstanding guitar contribution, before the leader closes out at his most engaging and sultry best.
Not the easiest of listens, but with enough high points to predict success for this group over the longer term.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
