Johnson, much like the members of his various ensembles, never chooses to flaunt his instrumental prowess (hey, I loved Jaco too, but you know what I mean). That's what makes the bass and drum duet "Since You Asked" so special. While Baron fills out the top end with nothing but cymbals, Johnson plays an Eastern-influenced improvisation over his own pedal tone. Forget all of those "Oh no, not the bass solo!" jokes you heard at band camp, this is it.
A more typical modern jazz sound is on display on the bluesy "Raise". Everyone is allowed to stretch out and vamp as Alain Mallet's organ adds a bit of Wes Montgomery trio feel.
For me, the high point of Shades of Jade is the title cut. Johnson and Elias' sparse modal vamp is slowly fleshed out over the course of over seven minutes by hopeful sax figures, lovely falling leaves piano clusters, attackless guitar tones and endless cymbal accents. Texture...and lots of it.
OK, make that two high points. Shades of Jade closes with the Armenian folk song "Don't Ask Of Me". While Mallett holds down a single low note, Johnson bows the melody on the double bass. It's intimate and majestic.
I'm now recommending that jazz neophytes start with a listen to Shades of Jade. Yes, I know I don't own any Eliane Elias records. You'll just have to trust me on this.
Article comments
1 - godoggo
Sounds like a great band indeed (though I'm not quites sure I'm sold on Barron, who generally strikes me as rocking more than swinging - on the other hand I've lately been listening to a John Aebercrombie record on which his sounds just perfect, and surprisingly subtle).
I have the first Bass Desires album, which I actually found a little bit disappointing, mainly because the recording was too clean and pretty. I think there's not much point in Frisell without raunch. The album Frisell and Sco did together under the latter's leadership, with Barron and Charlie Haden was better overall despite weaker tunes; I forget the title, so just a moment while I google...googling, googling...hmm, doubtless I'd find it eventually, but...hey, just a moment, it should be right here, next to the desk...nope, oh well.
Anyway, you might want to check out Elias's "Sings Jobim" album. She's a wonderful bossa nova singer as well as a fine pianist.