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The Jason Klobnak Quintet: Mountain, Move
ByIn the second decade of the 21st Century, what might be considered "Jazz Mainstream"? A strong case could be made for trumpeter Jason Klobnak's Mountain, Move. Firmly established in the vein of hard bop, Klobnak has assembled a traditional hard bop quintet of a rhythm section fronted with trumpet and tenor saxophone. His compositions are very much in the sub-genre's mold with complex yet melodic heads followed by integrated solo space. What Klobnak brings new to the table are pieces more carefully arranged, avoiding the freewheeling blowing session characteristic of the '50s and '60s. That live type of recording had its place in jazz's evolution but now gives way to a more thoughtful production paradigm that has manifested ever since.
Klobnak's music reveals careful study of all that has come before. His compositions possess razor precision, placing emphasis on his pieces' harmonic underpinnings, affording a solid ground upon which to solo. The opening "Back and Forth" is based on a breezy give-and-take theme that transforms seamlessly into a sonic palette from which the soloist (Klobnak, pianist Jonathan Parker and bassist Ian Hutchison) can fully expand their musical ideas into all corners of the composition. The title piece takes elements of David Sanborn's brand of R&B, the Crusaders' churchy approach to ballads, and the Saturday Night Live "Closing Theme (A Waltz in A)," by Howard Shore. Klobnak masterfully uses the music's drama to build an impressive climax and coda. And so goes the rest of the recording.
Klobnak's ear is very acute in guiding his aural vision of jazz. Mountain, Move is an exceptional recording that bristles with creativity and inventiveness, all within the confines of consonant jazz.
Track Listing
Back & Forth; He’s Still Here; Mountain, Move; Jardin des Tuileries; Where Would I Go; Sego; Back To The End; Stand Firm; U.L.T. (Undetermined Length of Time).
Personnel
Jason Klobnak: trumpet; Elijah Samuels: tenor saxophone; Jon Parker: piano, B3 organ; Ian Hutchison: bass; Paul Mullikin: drums.
Album information
Title: Mountain, Move | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Self Produced
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