Customer Reviews

Live at the 2007 Monterey Jazz Festival

5 star:		(2)
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The Monterey Quartet is the name given to the group of Chris Potter on sax, Gonzalo Rubalcaba on piano, Dave Holland on bass, and Eric Harland on drums. Though this is a bit of an all-star-type assembly, each player contributes original songs, and no player dominates the proceedings. The result is very solid mainstream modern jazz. "Treachery" starts things off on a confident note, and the CD is broken up into two ballads and five other mid-tempo songs. Regardless of which player you favor the most, this CD is easy to recommend.

One disc 78 minutes long approximately. The sound is crisp,clean,and very immediate. The balance is such that you feel like you're sitting in the "sweet spot" at the concert. Each instrument is clearly delineated and has its own space. Thankfully there's a bit of warmth to the sound (especially the bass),which gives this music more vitality.

This recording,from 2007 at The Monterey Jazz Festival,one of several released by Monterey Jazz Festival Records,is one of their better efforts. Originally thought of as releasing only vintage recordings from past Monterey Jazz Festivals,this release will put an end to that thinking. Not only are the players steeped in both jazz history and contemporary sounds,this group (known as THE MONTEREY QUARTET) sounds as if they have played together for some time. This is unabashedly modern jazz,from the arrangements,to the time signatures,to the very interaction of the group.

Dave Holland-bass,needs no real introduction. He's played on many important jazz dates,both as a sideman and as a leader. Chris Potter-tenor sax,while relatively new (born in 1970),has played with people like Brad Mehldau,John Scofield,Joe Lovano,and a host of others. Eric Harland-drums,has played primarily with Terence Blanchard,and continues to make a name for himself in modern,post be-bop jazz. Gonzalo Rubalcaba-piano,has recorded a number of albums with people like Charlie Haden,Paul Motian,Ron Carter,and a number of others.

Together,these four jazz musicians have created some very fine modern jazz. The arrangements are a combination of be-bop and more forward thinking ("Minotaur" as an example) playing. They are capable of playing something in (not strictly) four/four time ("Treachery"),and then turn around and play in a more reserved style ("Otra Mirada") with the same finesse. Each player brought two compositions for the band to play. Having never previously played as a group,it speaks volumes that they can produce music of such depth and feeling with just a few rehearsals. This is music played as a conversation between four people who have a lot to say. Never stepping on each other,this group weaves their individual sounds into a wonderful aural tapestry. Track after track,this group continues to impress with its ability to listen to one another,adding something only when needed. This is forward thinking in style,yet accessible. There is an "alive" feeling here,not the sterile sound of music played by rote,which seems to happen in some of today's jazz.

For listeners who like modern post be-bop jazz with a bit of modal style playing,and different time signatures used intelligently and with feeling,this is something to consider purchasing. The feel,the flow,the intensity,the rhythmic complexities,even on slower pieces,has produced one of the better recent small group jazz recordings. The only downside is that this group may never record together again,and that is a real crime.

Since this is my first review ever of a cd I've purchased I am so glad I am choosing this cd to review.I'm not a professional writer by any stretch but an avid jazz fan.

Chris Potter,Dave Holland, Eric Harland and Gonzalo Rubalcana each contribute 2 original compositions each. Chris Potter has been one of my favorite tenor sax players for a long time and he definitely tears down the house on this cd.

The opening track Treachery is a burner. All the songs on the cd are really great but along with Treachery my other favorites include Minotaur, 50 and the closer on the cd Ask Me Why.

I wasn't so familiar with Rubalcana's work to date but he is a fantastic player. Just check him out on "50". Dave Holland is fantastic and Eric Harland's drum work is truely something amazing.

This cd is soooooooooooooo smoking I am ordering another copy in case it ever goes out of print.

If you are a Chris Potter fan do not pass on this cd as I feel this cd is destined to be a classic.

This cd confounded my expectations. Dave Holland is the most famous name of this "Monterey quartet", but all are A list jazz men. The personnel is past or present Dave Holland bandmates who are stars in their own right, with a special guest on piano. Scaling the band down to a quartet and adding Rubalcaba on piano produces magical results. In every way this cd is truly some of the best modern jazz I have heard- Musicianship, chemistry, compositions, recording quality. Eric Harland treats you to a percussion sensibility and palette which provides that little bit of tension to keep the proceedings hair raising. Potter plays like each note is the only one that matters- this coupled with Harland's performance sets the rest of the band on fire- Rubalcaba plays beautifully. He interacts well with the group, and that is what sets this disc apart- no one over plays, everyone listens to create jazz that is urgent yet refined. A nice mix of midtempo, uptempo and ballads. There is a subtle afro-cuban aesthetic that gives this music depth and richness. The recording engineering and mix is perfect. It is not often that all these elements come together- they do on this disc and I highly recommend it. A modern classic.