Jared Sims Change of Address

Jared Sims
Change of Address
Ropeadope

An educator (currently Director of Jazz Studies at West Virginia University) who plays multiple reeds, Jared Sims as a performer focuses on the baritone sax. The title of this album reflects his move from Boston to West Virginia where he went to school. On this he is joined by Steve Fell on guitar; Nina Ott on organ, Chris Lopes on bass and Jared Seabrook on drums for a program of 7 tunes where he gets to display his rugged, energetic playing on seven originals.

The album takes off with the bouncy, funky groove groove of "Offer For Wilson, with Ott's greasy organ setting the mood for Sims to join in with his brawny attack. It is followed by "Seeds of Shihab," a tribute to one of his influences, baritone great Sahib Shihab, where his authoritative soloing is supported by a simple backing with Fell then taking a blues-inflected solo contrasts with the dark bottom sound of the leader's baritone. The soul-jazz flavor of this recording continues with "Ghost Guest 1979," which showcases guitarist Fell who employs a number of effects on his solo before Sims barrels in on the baritone. "Leap of Faith" is a tone poem with electronics creating aural textures that is the foundation for Sims' playing. "Forest Hills," named after a Boston neighborhood, is a spirited number with Fell's bluesy guitar making judicious use of tonal variations and effects. The opening to "Tower of Fazenda" establishes a morose atmosphere which Sims maintains as he plays with restraint followed by Fell's deliberate crafting of his solo.

"Lights and Colors," with a bouncy groove, and strong playing from Sims and Fell, closes "Change of Address," on a dance-able note. The playing, especially of Sims and Fell, captures the ear, even if the backing sometimes is only serviceable. Still an intriguing recording by a formidable baritone player.

I received my review copy from a publicist. This review originally appeared in the September-October 2017 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 374).  

Jeff Parker Trio Shines a Bright Light in Winter

Chicago guitarist Jeff Parker has certainly built quite a career working with the likes of Fred Anderson, Nicole Mitchell, Joshua Redman, the Brian Blade Fellowship, Ken Vandermark, George Lewis, Nels Cline, Matana Roberts and Ernest Dawkins. Delmark has issued the third release by his trio of bassist Chris Lopes and drummer, Bright Light in Winter. Both Parker and Lopes also make use of a synthesizer and Lopes also plays flute here. It is comprised of nine originals by the three that display a contemporary and open-ended approach to improvisation and group interplay.

Taylor’s Mainz opens this recording with the Parker stating the theme over the ostinato laid down by the Lopes and Taylor. Parker adds guitar effects to add to the tonal color as well as displays a spare attack that allows his notes and chords to linger. Lopes Swept Out To Sea has a more syncopated feel while sounding like a duet between Parker and Taylor that exhibits empathic interplay between them.

Parker’s Change sounds a bit more abstract as the bass anchors Parker’s soft chords set against Taylor’s steady clock-like rhythms before he shifts the performances tenor as he constructs a very imaginative, thoughtful solo with some nimble single note explorations.Taylor adds a funky underpinning for Parker original Freakadelic, which like the rest of the album, surprises with how the performance unfolds. Lopes’ flute is heard on The Morning of the 5th, on which Parker adds support and counterpoint with his backing as Taylor adds his embellishments with some brushes on the cymbals.

The engineering of this is excellent resulting in a lively sound in which the nuances of the music are captured. Bright Light in the Winter is an excellent recording that will reward those those who spend time to listen to the music herein.

Delmark records sent me a review copy. Here is Jeff Parker and Cad Lopes with a different drummer.