egroj world: Joshua Redman • Back East

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Joshua Redman • Back East

Review
by Matt Collar
Back East showcases saxophonist Joshua Redman as he leads a few different trios through a cerebral and muscular set of originals and standards. Redman has long evinced the influences of such similarly inclined legends as Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, and John Coltrane, and Back East is no exception -- which isn't to say it's business as usual. Admittedly, while this is a straight-ahead acoustic jazz date, it is one ripe with creative energy that finds Redman's knack for deeply thoughtful improvisation and unexpected rhythmic interplay in full flower. Recorded prior to the passing of Redman's father, saxophonist Dewey Redman, in 2006, the album is dedicated in his father's memory and not only features the elder Redman alongside his son, but Redman even gives him a solo turn on the last cut. Interestingly, Back East finds Redman ruminating on alternate meanings of the title: as in the "Back East" of cities like New York and Boston or as in Eastern philosophies and religious beliefs. This leads Redman to myriad musical settings, including the funky swing of "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top" and the more raga-influenced and expansive post-bop of the original "Zarafah." Joining Redman here is a cadre of top-notch rhythm players, including bassists Larry Grenadier, Reuben Rogers, and Christian McBride; drummers Ali Jackson, Brian Blade, and Eric Harland; and saxophonists Chris Cheek and Joe Lovano. This CD was nominated in 2007 for a Grammy award as Best Jazz Instrumental Album (Individual or Group).
https://www.allmusic.com/album/back-east-mw0000481462

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Reseña
por Matt Collar
Back East presenta al saxofonista Joshua Redman al frente de varios tríos diferentes a través de una serie de originales y estándares cerebrales y musculosos. Redman ha mostrado durante mucho tiempo las influencias de leyendas de inclinación similar como Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon y John Coltrane, y Back East no es una excepción, lo que no quiere decir que sea lo de siempre. Es cierto que, aunque se trata de una cita directa con el jazz acústico, está repleta de energía creativa y en ella se aprecia la habilidad de Redman para la improvisación profundamente reflexiva y la inesperada interacción rítmica en todo su esplendor. Grabado antes del fallecimiento del padre de Redman, el saxofonista Dewey Redman, en 2006, el álbum está dedicado a la memoria de su padre y no sólo presenta al mayor de los Redman junto a su hijo, sino que Redman incluso le da una vuelta en solitario en el último corte. Curiosamente, en Back East, Redman reflexiona sobre los distintos significados del título: como el "Back East" de ciudades como Nueva York y Boston o como las filosofías orientales y las creencias religiosas. Esto lleva a Redman a innumerables escenarios musicales, incluyendo el funky swing de "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top" y el post-bop más influenciado por el raga y expansivo del original "Zarafah". Junto a Redman hay un grupo de rítmicos de primera categoría, como los bajistas Larry Grenadier, Reuben Rogers y Christian McBride; los bateristas Ali Jackson, Brian Blade y Eric Harland; y los saxofonistas Chris Cheek y Joe Lovano. Este CD fue nominado en 2007 al premio Grammy como Mejor Álbum Instrumental de Jazz (Individual o Grupo).
https://www.allmusic.com/album/back-east-mw0000481462

www.joshuaredman.com ...

Tracks:

1 - The Surrey With The Fringe On Top - 5:12
2 - East Of The Sun (And West Of The Moon) - 5:35
3 - Zarafah - 7:58
4 - Indian Song - 6:10
5 - I'm An Old Cowhand - 6:06
6 - Wagon Wheels - 5:58
7 - Back East - 6:40
8 - Mantra #5 - 6:10
9 - Indonesia - 4:41
10 - India - 4:55
11 - GJ - 3:40

Credits:
Bass – Christian McBride (tracks: 3 to 4), Larry Grenadier (tracks: 1 to 2, 8 to 11), Reuben Rogers (tracks: 5 to 7)
Drums – Ali Jackson (tracks: 1 to 2, 8 to 11), Brian Blade (tracks: 3 to 4), Eric Harland (tracks: 5 to 7)
Producer – Joshua Redman
Saxophone – Joshua Redman

Label:    Nonesuch – 7559-79993-8

Released:    2007
Genre:    Jazz
Style:    Contemporary Jazz
https://www.discogs.com/release/2399004-Joshua-Redman-Back-East