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Miki Hirose: Scratch
BySix of the seven compositions on Scratch are originals and though the band's roots span the globe, there is a strong prominence of Latin rhythms throughout the collection. The emphasis is on ensemble playing but there are adequate opportunities for individual solos incorporated into a number of pieces. The title track opens the set and encompasses the tone for much of the upcoming venue. The piece opens with synchronous group playing before saxophonist Xavier Perez takes an extended solo. Hiroseand then pianist Toru Dodofollow with expressive turns of their own. The rhythm sections burns through the rest of the piece with Herrera adding his own fuel to the fire.
Scotland native and bassist Aidan O'Donnell shares composing credits with Hirose on "Run & Gun" and he wades in with a deep, woody solo before Dodo joins in on fender. The effect is a funky groove that brings in Hirose and Perez to fill out the sound. The tempo slows a bit on the bolero themed "Reasons" and Hirose and O'Donnell are joined by drummer Jerome Jennings, in crafting a striking interpretation within the larger group. Switching to the flugelhorn, Hirose takes a heartfelt solo before the piece wraps up. The complex "61-17" is yet another Latin oriented number and one of the more challenging pieces in the collection. Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood" is true to the original but with a slightly more modern and spacious felling.
Hirose's recent sideman recording credits have demonstrated a wide range of stylistic abilities. Dulces (Clean Feed, 2010)with its Middle-Eastern flavorand Flashpoint (Self-Produced, 2011) featuring the modern jazz orchestra of David White, demonstrate a sweeping variety of interests and talents. As solid a recording as Scratch is, it does more to create an additional sense of anticipation about the future of Hirose and all the talented artists involved in this project.
Track Listing
Scratch; Run & Gun; Reasons; 61-17; In Need; In a Sentimental Mood; Brand New Year.
Personnel
Miki Hirose
trumpetMiki Hirose: trumpet, flugelhorn; Xavier Perez: tenor saxophone; Toru Dodo: piano, fender rhodes; Aidan O'Donnell: bass; Jerome Jennings: drums; Mauricio Herrera: congas.
Album information
Title: Scratch | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: JAZZ LAB.
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