Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Ron Oswanski: December's Moon

4

Ron Oswanski: December's Moon

By

Sign in to view read count
Ron Oswanski: December's Moon
Keyboardist Ron Oswanski is known primarily as an audacious organist. He does, however, also bring a unique agility to the accordion and is endowed with a lyrical touch on the piano as his debut album December's Moon amply demonstrates.

The dozen tunes cover modern jazz compositions, Oswanski's originals and a Led Zeppelin anthem. The wide range showcases his versatility as an improviser as well as his adroitness as a bandleader as he keeps august company on this recording with the likes of guitarist John Abercrombie and drummer Clarence Penn to name a few.

Thematically speaking December's Moon can be divided into three sections. The first four tracks consist of ECM-esque sonic exploration; the next three are more rock infused tunes while the last five are in a more traditional vein. Bassist John Patitucci opens the title piece with his deep blue, sparse and pensive strings. Penn's brushes softly bubble like an underground stream. Saxophonist Tim Ries' acerbic soprano glides over the rhythmic embellishments of his band mates and is peppered with western classical allusions. As Oswanski's Hammond B3's slow simmer takes center stage, however, a profound soulfulness permeates the music with Ries's impassioned wail and Oswanski's elaborate vamps ushering in the conclusion.

The electrical deconstruction of "Ukrania Polka" is replete with Levantine and Tziganesque hints. Guitarist Jay Azzolina's angular interpretation brings a sense of adventure to the deceptively simple melody. Oswanski's haunting, yet edgy accordion constructs a tight and stimulating spontaneous musical structure. On this framework Ries weaves a fiery, vibrato filled solo that is at once intensely emotional and coolly intellectual.

The ambience changes on "Kayak," an organ trio workout that features Abercrombie's fast and intricate electric guitar lines that unfold with a boppish flair. Oswanski's multilayered organ lays out a tense, and blues drenched groove that leads to drummer Ian Froman's inventive chromatic polyrhythms.

The lush "Evanescence" is rooted in the style of its dedicatee; pianist Bill Evans. Oswanski's fluid, percolating piano shimmers against Patitucci's lilting tones and Penn's subtle yet driven trap and cymbal beats. Patitucci's pirouetting notes create a sublime and graceful sonic ballet over the sophisticated and melancholic motifs.

Abercrombie stretches out on the fusion-ish "Mercury Retrograde" with a progressive and hypnotic extemporization. Oswanski's exhilarating organ work pushes the boundaries bringing in faint folk and psychedelic sensibilities while Reis' wistful and nostalgic soprano meanders along Froman's understated and sophisticated thrums and beats.

Although somewhat short on textual cohesiveness, this multifaceted record is a bold and accomplished testament to Oswanski's versatile artistry and is quite a thrilling and intriguing ride.

Track Listing

White Meadow; Solo Por Undia; December's Moon; Ukrania Polka; Mercury Retrograde; The Rain Song; Sleeping Beauty; 80-80-8; Milk of the Moon; Standard Tile; Kayak; Evanessence.

Personnel

Ron Oswanski
organ, Hammond B3

Ron Oswanski: Hammand B-3 Organ, piano, accordian; Tim Ries: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone; John Abercrombie: electric guitar (1, 5, 8, 9, 11); Jay Azzolina: accoustic guitar, electric guitar (2, 4, 6); John Patitucci: bass; Clarence Penn: drums, percussion (2-4, 6, 12); Ian Froman: drums (1, 5, 7-10).

Album information

Title: December's Moon | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Palmetto Records

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.