Member Since: 7/17/2007
Band Website: mnmp.org/
Band Members: Manhattan New Music Project performs Paul Nash is
producer: Julia C. Reinhart
trumpets: Shane Endsley
alto & soprano saxes: Bruce Williamson
tenor saxes: Tim Ries
guitar: Vic Juris
bass: Jay Anderson
drums: Grisha Alexiev
piano: Jim Ridl
JAZZ CYCLES:
Buy Now: CD Baby | iTunes Paul Nash was a gifted jazz composer with an original voice. When Paul lost his battle with brain cancer in 2005, the world lost a visionary with a unique harmonic sense and a passion for infectious, driving rhythms. The recordings on this CD are the last Paul produced with his ensemble, the Manhattan New Music Project, but the material in this set has been developed over many years. These pieces have a richness which makes them worth playing and hearing many times over. Paul's compositions were orchestrated with compelling accompaniments and background figures that inspired his soloists to greater heights. Additionally, Paul included beautifully scored ensemble passages utilizing the wide variety of instrumental colors available in his ensemble.This disc is more than a collection of wonderful compositions by Paul Nash. Written from materials collected over the course of 30 years and completed in the last year of his life, Jazz Cycles is a kind of suite where each track may be heard as a movement in a larger artistic structure. Listeners will be rewarded if they listen to these tracks in sequence and if they absorb this cycle of recordings in its entirety.In many ways, "Passaglia" is the quintessential Paul Nash composition. The piece begins with a wonderful, repeating ostinato, first presented by Vic Juris on guitar, answered by a contrapuntal, melodic statement from Tim Ries on tenor saxophone. Then we hear an ensemble passage featuring Paul's trademark open horn voicings followed by a heartfelt alto saxophone solo by Bruce Williamson, one of Paul's longtime collaborators."Passaglia" segues without pause directly into "Night Flight" which features a driving groove propelled by drummer Grisha Alexiev and an exciting solo by trumpeter Shane Endsley. This leads to burning improvisations from bassist Jay Anderson, guitarist Juris and tenor saxophonist Ries. Tim, who has been touring with the Rolling Stones, literally screams through his horn on this tune."Desire" includes some of the most tender music on the disc, followed by a free jazz introduction to "Wind Over the Lake," a piece which was originally written by Paul for orchestra and jazz ensemble. The free playing morphs into some typically Nash rhythmic, repeating figures which serve as the underpinning for this composition. Pianist Jim Ridl contributes a beautiful solo as does saxophonist Ries. This is followed by an interlude which leads to "Strange Rife," a slow, swinging statement with some collective, improvisational blowing from the group."Outside In" features an optimistic, uplifting chord progression and demonstrates Paul's love for mixed time signatures. This selection includes more fine soloing by Endsley, Juris and Williamson, this time on soprano. "Outside In" segues directly into "Ballad for T" with its rich harmonies and mournful melodic statement. Once again, Williamson delivers a soulful solo.After two more interludes, the second of which features Anderson's considerable bass prowess, we move to "It's Only a Dream," the hardest swinging tune in the set with rollicking solos from Ridl and Ries. This is followed by solo interludes from Juris on guitar and Alexiev on cymbals and drums. These passages act as introductory material for "Tamalpais Night," an older tune of Paul's which was included on his first album A Jazz Composer's Ensemble. This newer performance has a propulsive energy which matches well with the tune's expansive melody and mixture of dark and optimistic harmonies.While discussing the next selection, "Starlit Skylight," I would like to be more personal. Paul was a good friend of mine and I am proud to say that I played the tenor saxophone solo on this tune on Paul's earlier album, Second Impression. It is exciting to hear what the musicians featured on Jazz Cycles have done with this beautiful composition. The group is in fine form with strong ensemble work and striking solos from Ridl, Ries and Williamson.The disc concludes with a reprise of "Night Flight" followed by a short "Epilouge." As with all of Paul's projects, Jazz Cycles features stunning compositions performed by some of the finest musicians in jazz.- Greg Yasinitsky, Pullman, WA
PAST RELEASES:
The Soul Of Grace, Soul Note Records (2000)
Buy: CD Baby | iTunes | Rhapsody
Mood Swing, Soul Note Records (1993)
Buy: CD Baby | iTunes
Second Impression, Soul Note Records (1985)
Buy: CD Baby | iTunes
LABEL:
MYSPACE DESIGN:
Influences: Herbie Hancock's MAIDEN VOYAGE, Al di Meola, Bill Evans, Carla Bley, modern classical composers, Blood Sweat & Tears (horn sound)
Sounds Like: Charles Mingus, Herbie Hancock, Al di Meola
Record Label: MNMP Records
Type of Label: Indie