| THE MARTY KRYSTALL QUARTET PLUS ONE - video review by Gerry Fialka for LA JAZZ SCENE 3/14/00 Sax giant Marty Krystall is joined by top-notch players for an hour of truly inspiring jazz in the cozy living room of a 1908 Craftsman home. The lively music reflects the warm wood, lovely leaded glass and arty architecture of this apropos environment. Leader and arranger Krystall wails on tenor and soprano saxophones, and bass clarinet. Bassist Jack Bone and drummer Barry Saperstein provide solid rhythm along with pianist extrordinaire Hugh Schick, who also contributes touching trumpet. The "Plus One'' is vet Brenton Banks, whose passionate violin and piano playing shows his years of experience. They all turn their instruments into living organisms, talking in cunning conversations and deeply displaying their knowledge of the importance of space between notes. Their improvisations treat the tight harmonic structures with astonishing lack of constraint. It is a freedom similar to Thelonious Monk (whose "Evidence" is covered) and Herbie Nichols. In fact, Krystall and company tackle six tuneful compositions by Nichols with fervor and humor. "Hangover Triangle"swirls in a soup of buoyant bass clarinet, saucy slap bass, dexterous drumming and vivacious violin. Romantic melodies flow in "Prelude and Arogonaise from Carmen" by Georges Bizet. With Duke Ellington's "Black and Tan Fantasy," the many colors of timbre and harmony shine bright as Krystall's marvelous ensemble collectively paint a dynamic canvas of pure jazz music. Marty Krystall's horn tells the entire history of the saxophone, at the same time reinventing its sultry sound. Kudos to Marty Krystall and producer Roger Pickett. (K2B2 Records, l748 Roosevelt Ave, LA CA 90006, 323-732-1602, k2b2.com) |
