Record Reviews

SCHWAGER / OLIVER QUINTET ~ SENZA RESA CELLAR 030123 (Barcode: 875531023992) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2022 Released: 2023 This is an album by Canadian Jazz quintet co-led by guitarist Reg SchwagerFind albums by this artist and saxophonist / flautist Ryan OliverFind albums by this artist, with keyboardist Nick PeckFind albums by this artist, bassist Rene WorstFind albums by this artist and drummer Ernesto CerviniFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, one of which is a live recording, which is a mixture of original compositions by the quintet members and music by others, including one tune by British composer Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist. The music is hard to classify exactly and for luck of a better definition I’d call it contemporary Fusion, primarily due to the role of electric guitar, keyboards and bass, since compositionally the music is all over the place. But the original material is well weaved and the choice of external material is also very careful, which results in a pleasant, highly melodic and excellently performed, easy on the ear and entertaining listening experience. The Westbrook tune is, as expected, the highlight of the album. There is no doubt that these musicians are all highly professional and talented, but the music is hardly intellectually challenging, albeit, as already mentioned, very entertaining. There are some sound and balance issues, with overemphasized and boomy bass, but that is of course a matter of taste (and hearing). Overall, this is a fine Fusiony album, which most Jazz listeners should enjoy, if not in their living rooms then at least in their cars. This music probably is much more suited to be listened to live. Several of the melodies are really quite nice, but the album tends to run out of steam after several tracks, sounding somewhat repetitive. But all in all, not bad at all. Great cover Art!

Updated: 02/07/2023Posted: 02/07/2023

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