In Montana [Import, Original recording reissued]

Jack Walrath (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 25, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Original recording reissued
• Label: Labor Records
• ASIN: B00005QD91
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #798,945 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Spirited recording of original compositions by Mingus protége combines the best of hard-bop drive with contemporary harmonic innovations

Labor Records is pleased to announce the re-release of Jack Walrath's "In Montana," a fresh testament to the compatibility of tradition and innovation in jazz which was recorded at three different sessions in Montana in January, April and March of 1980. There are thirteen original compositions on the recording, created by Walrath and his cohorts. While firmly set in the tradition of swing-based rhythms and be-bop influenced improvisations, Walrath and his sidemen nevertheless incorporate many of the significant stylistic innovations stemming from modern, modal, free and out jazz, thus giving this recording a passionate and somewhat unpredictable edge while remaining completely accessible - a winning combination that is hard to find in most contemporary jazz recordings.
Trumpeter Walrath, who has performed with Charles Mingus and Ray Charles, is joined by Ornette Coleman-influenced pianist Bob Nell, saxophonist Chuck Florence, bassist Kelly Roberty and drummer/percussionist Jim Honaker. Why jazz "In Montana"? Is there a particular Montana flavor? Perhaps there is. The listener will hear a highly-refined sense of space and a looseness which seems to reflect an unconventional attitude towards life as well as the expansive geography of the territory. Unconfined by the tension and stress of the urban environment, these talented musicians play and feel jazz on the level of the best.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars neat rarity, November 2, 2007

By 

Anthony Cooper (Louisville, KY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: In Montana (Audio CD)

Jack Walrath is perhaps best known for being Mingus' late-period trumpeter. Unfortunately, that honor won't get you too far, and that's why this 1980 CD is an unknown. Walrath recorded this with some Montana jazz friends. Rather than being an anonymous back-up group, saxophonist Chuck Florence, pianist Chuck Nell, bassist Kelly Roberty and drummer Jim Honaker contribute heartily to the playing and writing. The music is post-bop with the occasional free, modern flourish. The songs mostly have catchy melodies, and vary in tempo and mood. "Lodgelian Mode" starts things off with a bang, for example, and "Where Have I Been Before" features some pretty playing by Walrath. The melody of "Grey And Blue" reminds me of Ornette Coleman's "European Echos" with its chaotic skipping around. "At Home In Rome" sounds like a catchy theme from mid-60's Horace Silver. The soloing is good throughout by all hands. I recommend this CD, it's a bit of a change of pace from getting (for example) another 50-60's Blue Note.