Artist: Laurel Zucker, Joe Gilman, David Rokeach, Jeff Neighbor
Title: The Claude Bolling Suites for Flute & Jazz Piano Trio (2 CDs)
Label: Cantilena Records
Genre: Instrumental Jazz
Website
Laurel Zucker (flute), Joe Gilman (piano) and David Rokeach (percussion) and Jeff Neighbor (bass) pay tribute to The Claude Bolling Suites for Flute & Jazz Piano Trio on a beautiful new release. Claude Bolling is an innovative composer that combined traditional classical music with jazz for a unique crossover aspect that is rarely found in the realm of classical music. Indeed, it takes a special group of talented musicians to play this music in a convincing and proper manner. After listening to both CDs, I found all of those factors in place that made for a particularly wonderful listening experience.
Disc One encompasses more of the jazz adaptations and disc two leans more towards the classical side of the house, however the mixture is delightful regardless of which direction these talented players decide to travel. I noticed, and very strongly, how the band is playing a soft and satiny textured classical movement highlighted by Laurel Zucker’s gorgeous flute-then the way the band completely changes gears at a moments notice and suddenly they are swinging and bopping. It is like having the movie screen in your mind switched from an early century opera house to a smoke filled jazz club somewhere in Paris (where the honored composer is from) in a flash. The transitions are at times sudden yet smooth as can be. All 15 tracks are a truly amazing exhibition of musicianship and musical perfection note by note. I must also point your attention to the fact that each member is such an important piece of this musical puzzle, although Zucker’s flute stands out, the piano of Gilman, the bass of Neighbor and the percussion of Rokeach is extraordinary. They all work very well together and compliment each other's parts wonderfully.
Article comments
1 - Laurel
Hello musicians and music lovers:
If you want to buy this CD or others please go to www.cdbaby.com or www.amazon.com and type in Laurel Zucker. You can listen to sound clips from this CD at www.cdbaby.com and others and buy if you wish.
2 - Eric Olsen
thanks Laurel, we have the Amazon link up now - assuming you are the artist, best of luck with it.
Thanks Keith, another excellent review!
3 - Douglas Mays
Outstanding! I used to have the vinyl. Great listening. Good to hear that justice has been served to such a great piece of music.
peaceloveguidance
4 - Uyen
Actually, this is a question rather than a comment, but I love Irlandaise. Does anyone know how or where to get sheet music without having to buy the WHOLE collection?!?!?!