Customer Reviews

Deconstructed

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is some of the finest, tightest playing you will ever hear, from a group of way good players really listening while they explore some wonderful intelligent charts that really move. As a nice touch, the cd notes include the written music for each chart (in a fractured way), fun to follow, and then hear what they do with them. Group playing at it's finest, combined with some very tasty solos, all propelled in beauty and power. Also, a very fine recording.

Steve Swallow is the kind of musician that does not feel the need to show off with technical displays of ability on his instrument, as is the case with many bass player-led albums, such as Vic Wooten's, Stanly Clarke's and Marcus Miller's (I love them all, but sometimes it can be way too much of a good thing). He is satisfied with writing some great melodies and supporting his bandmates with solid, tasteful playing. He is the leader, yet he only solos on two tunes. The playing by everyone here is really top-notch, I especially have become a fan of saxist Chris Potter - he is simply amazing. The drummer is also quite a presence. What I also love about Steve is his sense of humor - just look at the song titles. Overall, a blowing session full of interesting and tight ensemble work.

Things haven't stopped cookin' over at Swallow's camp. "Deconstructed" has everyone on fire, specially drummer Adam Nassbaum whose playing here reminds us all he hasn't forgotten how to swing. This album has much more to recommend it than the earlier "Real Book," both in terms of playing and the compositions themselves. Get it. What makes my copy more deeply satisfying is that it came as a gift from Swallow himself.