Chris Pattishall - Zodiac

Chris Pattishall - Zodiac - Self-produced

Pianist-composer Chris Pattishall's debut recording is an auspicious one. "Zodiac" is his reworking of Mary Lou Williams' "Zodiac Suite" with expanded instrumentation. Williams was, of course, a pioneering pianist, composer, and arranger whose "Zodiac Suite" remains an underappreciated gem. Pattishall, who studied with Marcus Roberts and Harold Mabern, gained an appreciation for the jazz piano greats. Pattishall, in collaboration with producer Rafiq Bhatia, brought together an ensemble Jamison Ross (drums), Riley Mulherkar (trumpet), Ruben Fox (saxophone), and Marty Jaffe (bass) to increase expert the legendary Mary Lou Williams' wondrous music. 

Williams' original suite was inspired after reading a book on astrology, with each sign being a taking-off point that would take further inspiration from friends in the jazz world. So for "Aries," she was inspired by Ben Webster and Billie Holiday, while "Libra" found inspiration in Art Tatum. As a song cycle, the performances still ring fresh today. Pattishall's added instrumentation to this song cycle showing the continuing relevance of this music. 

While Pattishall may initiate a performance with piano, the added instrumentation allows additional musical colors. Bhatia's production at times adds a dreamlike quality, such as during the "Scorpio," which closes with some riveting saxophone from Fox. Pattishall adds some Monkish angular phrases in his comping on this track with its shifting tempos and moods. "Sagittarius" provides a piano solo showcase for Pattishall's considerable piano talent on a composition Williams dedicated to Eddie Heywood. "Three Blind Mice" is quoted in this performance. "Capricorn," dedicated to Frankie Newton, was one of Williams' favorite compositions of the suite, and the rendition here has the sober feel of the original performance. While there are no solos on "Capricorn," trumpeter Mulherkar and saxophonist Fox provide a mournful tone with their ensemble playing. Then the two weave around each other during "Aquarius."

It says so much that one does not have to listen to Mary Lou Williams' original recording to appreciate the outstanding music. Taking these memorable classic compositions and bringing together a terrific band that revives these multi-faceted compositions with such spirit is a remarkable achievement. Incidentally, Mary Lou Williams' recording is available from Smithsonian-Folkways, as well as various streaming services. One can download the full liner notes for the Williams recording at the Smithsonian website https://folkways-media.si.edu/liner_notes/smithsonian_folkways/SFW40810.pdf.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is "Libra" from "Zodiac."

New Vintage Jazz & Wine Fest Coming August 24

Kris Funn performing with Corner Store  

Kris Funn and the Corner Store are amongst the bands playing the New Vintage Jazz & Wine Fest at the DC Fairgrounds near Nationals Park in Washington DC. This takes place Saturday August 24 starting at 2:00PM

Curated by the folks at Capital Bop (http://capitalbop.com) here is the full line-up

The artists will perform at the following times:
2:30 – Tarus Mateen
3:15 – Kris Funn & Corner Store
4:15 – Todd Marcus Quartet
5:15 – Christie Dashiell Quartet
6:15 – Donvonte McCoy Quartet, Feat. Heidi Martin
7:15 – The Funk Ark
8:30 – Rafiq Bhatia

I have enjoyed Tarus Mateen (he is bassist with Jason Moran and The Bandwagon amongst other groups); Funn, bass clarinetist Marcus and trumpeter McCoy and they are exceptional artists. Vocalists Dashiell and Martin are performers I am really looking forward to see. Capitol Bop's website has much more information on what looks like an amazing event, including more information on the performers. 

Here is a link to their post that announced this event: http://capitalbop.com/2013/07/24/show-announcement-new-vintage-jazz-wine-fest-amazing-talent-wine-at-the-fairgrounds/.

One footnote. I met Kris Funn at the 2012 Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival and he is the nephew of a former colleague of mine at the government agency I worked at. I kidded Kris that his uncle made the best pound cake I ever had. Kris is on a number of recordings of the brilliant young trumpeter, Christian Scott, in whose band he has been in for several years. His group was a highlight of a DC Jazz Loft show that was part of the DC Jazz Festival a couple years ago from which the picture at the top of this entry was taken.

Here is the exceptional bassist, Tarus Mateen playing with saxophonist Brian Settles as part of a group led by drummer Lenny Robinson. Mateen will be leading his own group this day.

Donvonte McCoy is one of the Washington DC's premier trumpeters. My picture of him was taken during a salute to the music of Lee Morgan he performed at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art. 

Todd Marcus is among the few who focus on playing bass clarinet exclusively. here he is at the 2013 Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival.