RVANews

Two trios tear it up at The Camel

Dean Christesen — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:00:53 +0000

Last night at The Camel, Trio of Justice and Marcus Tenney Trio continued the venue's weekly jazz series to an enthusiastic crowd. Even trombonist Sam Savage was there to share in the magic, and we got audio from the whole night.

I've missed Trio of Justice. The sounds they get with their unorthodox instrumentation -- trombone, tuba, drums, give or take a few odd others -- are like no other. It's as if they broke out of a brass band and then took elements of what they heard in hip hop and math rock. Trombonist Reggie Pace and tubaist/trombonist Reggie Chapman, at least, help form No BS! Brass Band but here bring an entirely new harmonic palette to the table. Devonne Harris has a crisp sensibility on drums, and he's able to play powerfully while intuitively.

Listen to Trio of Justice's set:
[audio:http://media.rvanews.com/Trio%20of%20Justice%20@%20The%20Camel%20(01.04.10).mp3|titles=Live at The Camel January 4 2011|artists=Trio of Justice]

Marcus Tenney used to play trumpet exclusively (think along the lines of Freddie Hubbard's style), but seems to only pick up his tenor saxophone these days (think Coltrane or Joe Henderson). It's no surprise, then, that he chooses to only play his newer instrument with his trio that features drummer Harris and bassist Andrew Randazzo. Tenney takes extended solos over Henderson's "Shade of Jade" and "Inner Urge," Coltrane's "A Moment's Notice," and Sam Rivers's "Beatrice," while his rhythm section urges him along.

Listen to Marcus Tenney Trio's set:
[audio:http://media.rvanews.com/Marcus%20Tenney%20Trio%20@%20The%20Camel%20(01.04.10).mp3|titles=Live at The Camel January 4 2011|artists=Marcus Tenney Trio]

Tuesday night Jazz @ The Camel continues next week with Scott Clark 4tet and UTV. Visit thecamel.org for more info.

Thanks to Lucas Fritz for the audio, Shaun Lilley for photos

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Happening right now…

Dean Christesen — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:59:00 +0000

Savage Jazz hits the stage at The Camel. Sam Savage (trombone) is playing with Matt Hall (bass), Devonne Harris (drums), Marcus Tenney (trumpet), with guest guitarist Nate Griffith playing the first set and Alan Parker filling in for the second.

At 10, Bryan Hooten's Ombak makes their bi-weekly appearance at Cous Cous. Filling in tonight for regular guitarist Trey Pollard is trumpeter Taylor Barnett. Luckily, Hooten's writing for the guitar is linear enough to make this work. In May, he said on RVAjazz, "I hate to use chord symbols and am far less concerned with vertical relationships than with linear ones. I think we have only one tune in which the guitar has more than one or two notes at a time." There you have it: a trumpet subs for a guitar.

Lots going on tonight. Check it out.

Watch RVAjazz on Twitter for some low quality photos.

[where: 1621 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220]
[where: 900 W. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23220]

Jason Arce – Simplicity (2008)

Dean Christesen — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 02:06:00 +0000

by Dean Christesen

Simplicity is a modest title for an album that has exciting complexities around every corner. Wild melodies, blazing solos, and unique interplay often mask any simplicity that is to be found in the music. But still, there is a certain welcomed basic-ness at the heart of saxophonist Jason Arce's debut release. Penned solely by Arce, the compositions are borne of a talented band full of life and energy.

The album firmly opens with the title track, featuring a sharp-edged wandering melody, but there is some titular truth to the very next piece, "Break the Wall." After a balladic intro with piano and sax, the band storms in. Trumpeter Bob Miller takes off running while propellants drummer Kelli Strawbridge and bassist Matt Hall surge with him. In the album's second instance of chivalrous behavior from the leader, Arce takes second solo to a band mate, but still manages to throw good manners out the window with his aggressive and adventurous playing. His varied use of space and fervent heat sets his band's course with democratic leadership and an open ear. The solo, like many on the disc, arcs beautifully and comes together at just the right moment.

Hall's strength on the backline is impeccable, and his ability to react to any situation and see and hear is quite omniscient. Fellow accompanists, guitarist Alan Parker and piano and wurlitzer player Devonne Harris, are equally extrospective, looking outwards before looking in, especially on "Time To Leave."

Strawbridge, insightful with often-explosive bursts of drums and cymbals, also looks outward to inspire each soloist. Even the calmer pieces are laced with a sense of vigor in his drumming, as on "57th Sunset." Harris's first trip to the drum throne on "New Relationship" brings ultra funky drumming with a fist full of a hip-hop vibe, and with the absence of keys, the music breathes a little better than the pieces before it.

The musicians often nod to Miles Davis's legendary second quintet (Strawbridge displays Tony Williams-like fire in his drum solo on "Happy Blues," and Harris immediately quotes the melody of "E.S.P." on the first track), although that doesn't stop Arce from exploring his own inspirations, life experiences, and the beginning of his journey as a leader.

Track listing: Simplicity; Break the Wall; End of the Night; Time to Leave; 57th Sunset; New Relationship; Forward Progress; Patiently Waiting; Happy Blues; Break the Wall (alt. take).

Personnel: Jason Arce: tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, piano (2,7); Devonne Harris: piano, wurlitzer, drums (6,7); Alan Parker: guitar; Matt Hall: bass; Bob Miller: trumpet (1-3,10); Sam Savage: trombone (8,9); Kelli Strawbridge: drums (1-5,8-10).

The album will be made available for purchase at the CD release party this Friday at The Camel.

Friday, August 1, 2008, 9 pm
Jason Arce Quintet w/ NO BS! Brass
The Camel
$6, all ages
Purchase Simplicity, $6 at the show ($10 after that)
[where: 1621 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220]