A cohesive collection of nine compositions that go far beyond typical jazz formulae. Featuring Argentinian guitarist Daniel Pérez, a longtime resident of Barcelona, along with Canadian pianist John Stetch and the rhythm team of bassist Johannes Weidenmüll

9 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Progressive Jazz, JAZZ: Modern Creative Jazz



Details:
Chris Kase (b. 1964, New Brunswick, NJ) is a jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist, composer and educator who has resided in Madrid, Spain since 1997. He has performed and/or recorded with many well known jazz artists such as: The Mingus Big Band, Adam Nussbaum, Kenny Wheeler, Bob Mintzer, The Bird of Paradise Orchestra, Steve Coleman, Chick Corea, Steve Wilson, Don Braden, Grant Stewart, Bruce Barth, David Berkman, Al Foster and Perico Sambeat, among others.

In his detailed liner notes trumpeter Chris Kase attempts to shed some light on the technical considerations behind the compositions on his latest release, Nine Easy Pieces. And it is true that there is a lot of meat in his writing; but what really makes this album succeed is the easygoing manner in which all participants navigate music that, while complex and considered at its core, sounds deceptively simple.
Lester Young once said, âCan you sing me a song?â and clearly Kase can. He has a warm and inviting tone on both trumpet and flugelhorn and his playing demonstrates a lyrical elegance that makes every solo, every motif eminently singable. Whether it be on the brooding âDark Interval,â improvising around a brief 6/4 piano-bass motif, or on the more compositionally rich âNumero tres,â Kase creates melodies which linger in the memory.
And speaking of rich compositions, Kase is another example of a contemporary writer who explores more extended compositional form, avoiding the tune-solo-tune format and, instead, creating a broader framework which still allows the group ample opportunity to stretch out. Remarkably, the groupâs improvisations are so thoughtfully constructed that it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between the written and extemporized.
Kaseâs own compositions, which make up seven of the nine pieces on the album, clearly owe more to the European tradition, with the possible exception of âMonje,â which is Spanish for its influence, âMonkâ; it is the only tune that really swings in a distinctly American way. By combining a sense of invention with distinctive themes Kase has created an album that, with an innate romanticism, caresses the ear; there is nothing confrontational about Nine Easy Pieces, but the title is also a misnomer as these compositions are by no means easy. The album shows how complex material can be made accessible; how less direct harmonies can still, somehow, be made to sing.
-John Kelman, ALL ABOUT JAZZ

Indeed, Chris Kase has recorded a cd with nine pieces. If he says theyâre easy, he must know why! After listening to this recording, one doesnât get the impression that it would be easy to achieve such a placid, tranquil and balanced recording, but just the opposite.
Three important factors stand out in the final result. First, a handful of magnificent compositions which, except for âSpeak Lowâ and âHesitation Tango,â are the work of the American trumpeter. The beauty of these melodies is enhanced by wonderful arrangements, especially in the aforementioned âSpeak Low,â âPieza Fácilâ y âNúmero Tres,â a trilogy that opens the album splendidly. Also âMonje,â the closing tribute to Thelonious Monk. Of course, in spite of Kaseâs trumpet and flugelhorn mastery, all of this would not be possible without a quartet of magnificent colleagues.
A peaceful disc, something always appreciated especially during certain days of agitation.
-José Francisco Tapiz ·Tomajazz

Trumpeter/flugelhornist Chris Kase possesses a warm tone and distinct sense of assurance when performing on both horns, as many of his compositions are constructed upon melodically shaded lyricism. Supported by a multinational ensemble, the musicians execute these works with an effervescent sheen, regardless of pitch or momentum. Simply stated, Kase is someone to watch!
The quintet works through these generally, cool and breezy pieces via complex harmonies and gently climactic passages. On âPieza Facil,â Kaseâs soft lines provide a contrasting element to pianist John Stetchâs delicate phrasings. Yet the musiciansâ symbiotic musical encounters infer an intuitive, working relationship here. Hence, a fine outing, enhanced by the engineersâ top-notch, and altogether sympathetic, audio processes. (Recommendedâ¦)
-Glenn Astarita

* * * * This is Chris Kaseâs third cd for Satchmo and is, without doubt, the best of them. Kase presents introspective music based on warm sounds and sophisticated arrangements, filled with interesting blends of colors well rooted in each and every one of the instruments of the ensemble, especially the leaderâs ethereal trumpet and flugelhorn.â
âVicente Ménsua, CUADERNOS de JAZZ (Spain's largest jazz periodical)

* * * * A cd that is easy to listen to, but not at all simple or trivial. Kase has the ability to construct complex pieces of minute detail that his group interprets with simplicity and freshness. To achieve this, Kase counts on the inspired perfection of his writing along with the interplay and high quality of his group. His tunes demonstrate an admirable sense of form and originality, works of a musician in full expressive maturity who possesses personality and original ideas, qualities that many other trumpet virtuosi are lacking.
-José Armenta, MÁS JAZZ