Customer Reviews

Relentless

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I recently caught Ms. Cassity at the Lake George NY Jazz festival. It was a great show, featuring prominately some of her pieces on her "Relentless" album.
After getting a copy of "Relentless", my perception(or suspicion)of her as an up and coming master in the Jazz world was confirmed.
By most standards, she appears to be a new comer, have entered the professional Jazz world after graduating Juilliard in 2007. She is originally from Oklahoma.
On the album, which consists almost entirely of Cassity originals, she effortlessly demonstrates her confident and surprisingly mature skills with the alto and soprano sax as well as the flute. Her poise and sound are like an old Jazz master, who has been playing for decades. The songs are very well thought out and methodical, without compromising that sense of spontaniety that is the essence of Jazz.(I know, it almost doesn't seem possible)
What I found interesting, and very promising, is the fact that her playing does not bespeak of any overt influences. She has the cool tone of a Lester Young; but I also hear the slight raw, impassioned virtuoso of Bird. Her liner notes to this album make reference to Cannonball, which I also can hear echoes of. Regardless, it's refreshing to hear an original voice, grounded in jazz history.
Ms. Cassity has only one other album. Yet, if "Relenetless" is a sign of what is to come, she is a talent that bears close watching.
On the album she is backed, or more properly descibed as being complimented, by first rate musicians such as Michael Dease on trombone and some great trumpet work by Jeremy Pelt. The rhythm section is stellar, totally in sync with her vibe.
The album opens with a tune called "Say What?". (Dare I say part a sly homage to Miles Davis' famous "So What") It is a perfect example of her Jazz sensibilities. Very well grounded in classic Jazz, but with a distinctive edge that points to the future.
This is no novice effort, or mere stepping stone. This is a frist rate album from a real deal player, poised and ready to make a statement in the Jazz community. I look forward to seeing her live again and to listening to another new (great)album from her.
Highly recomended.

I usually settle on a favorite tune; however, each selection grabbed my attention/interest for enjoyment that I played the CD over and over... Concluding this is a talented jazz player and writer. Very good group!