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online now iconAll Music Guide Rating: ****
Pianist Chris Dundas is not as well-known as his Los Angeles-based sidemen, but he holds his own on his fine modern mainstream jazz self-titled date. The music ranges from a funky blues ("Ninety Minute Man") and worthy revivals of "Delilah" and "Autumn Leaves" to a rare version of Joanne Brackeen's "Haiti-B," an easy-listening ballad ("I Want You Back"), and a closing solo piano piece ("So Tender"). Bob Sheppard takes excellent post-bop solos on tenor and soprano, guitarist Buzz Feiten adds a rock feel while displaying versatility, bassist Dave Carpenter's playing clearly inspires everyone, and drummer Peter Erskine keeps the music stimulating. The variety of the compositions and the many moods make this CD consistently of strong interest. Well worth checking out.
Scott Yanow
What an all-star lineup Chris Dundas has selected to work out with him! For partners, the pianist has saxophonist Bob Sheppard, guitarist Buzzy Feiten, bassist Dave Carpenter, and drummer Peter Erskine on hand to help him rock the joint. Half of his program is original material, while the other half comes from the standard repertoire. Their collaborative sound is fresh and exciting. Audio samples of "Autumn Leaves," "Haiti-B," "Simpatico" and "Ninety Minute Man" may be found at www.chrisdundas.com. The pianist has included both light, smooth jazz and dramatic, modern mainstream jazz in this debut program. His interpretation of Joanne Brackeen's intense "Haiti-B" sparkles with passion, while several originals mellow into smooth oblivion. While interpreting Keith Jarrett's "So Tender," unaccompanied, Dundas exhibits the lyrical sense of melody and harmony that prove to be his greatest strengths. As a singer would caress each line and impart contextual meaning, he phrases the ballad in such a way that we can clearly appreciate the song's purpose. Dundas has made a great start to what undoubtedly will be a long and successful jazz career.
Jim Santella (L.A. Jazz Scene)
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