Reeds Ramble by Seamus Blake, Chris Cheek
Fellow saxophonists Seamus Blake and Chris Cheek have thrived as leaders, sidemen, big band soloists and much else, contributing to the creative health of the jazz scene over the last 20 years.
As a pair they worked on the exploratory groove-oriented project The Bloomdaddies (Criss 1110) back in 1995. But with Reeds Ramble Blake and Cheek reunite in an acoustic setting, buoyed by the extraordinary Ethan Iverson of The Bad Plus on piano, making his first Criss Cross appearance. Drummer Jochen Rueckert, too makes his first label appearance, teaming up with in-demand bassist Matt Penman, a valued presence on Criss Cross sessions led by Jonathan Kreisberg, John Ellis and Zach Brock.
The two tenors showcase their distinctive voices on a set of material written by themselves as well as Elmo Hope, Jim Beard, Chico Buarque, Brian Wilson and more. With their subtle orchestrations, bold and unpredictable communication and all-around swinging, bluesy feel, Blake and Cheek continue the tradition of Inspired tenor summits while asserting a sound all their own.
Tracklist
| 1. | Na Carreira | 7:52 |
| 2. | 1974 Blues | 7:06 |
| 3. | Holodeck Waltz | 6:11 |
| 4. | Blue Moose | 6:29 |
| 5. | De Dah | 6:25 |
| 6. | 'Til I Die | 7:37 |
| 7. | I Surrender Dear | 7:31 |
| 8. | All About Me | 6:37 |
| 9. | Lady In Languor | 6:44 |
Credits
Seamus Blake (Ts)
Chris Cheek (Ts / Ss)
Ethan Iverson (P)
Matt Penman (B)
Jochen Rueckert (D)
License
All rights reserved.
Criss Cross Records captures the aesthetic essence of cutting-edge hardcore New York jazz more consistently than any other label on 420+ albums recorded.. Founder Gerry Teekens (1935-2019), a linguistics professor by day and a semi-professional drummer by night, was a connoisseur of groove -- he operated by the motto, “If you have a great band, but not a great drummer, forget it.”