Record Reviews

DOM MINASI ~ TAKIN` THE DUKE OUT CDM 1001 (Barcode: 765432100123) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001 US guitarist / composer Dom MinasiFind albums by this artist is surely one of the most original and innovative Jazz artists active today and hearing his music is a true revelation. A veteran of the NY Jazz scene, Minasi was influenced by the Jazz Giants like John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and Eric DolphyFind albums by this artist, all of which he heard performing live at NY clubs during his adolescence. Very early on Minasi realized that Free Jazz and Improvised Music were something he wanted to do and he’d stay faithful to that decision throughout his entire career. That does not mean he didn’t study the entire tradition of the Jazz genre (with an emphasis on guitarists of course) and even played “straight ahead” Jazz, which he still enjoys to do from time to time, but his true passion is the more challenging highly improvised and boundless facet of Jazz making. Minasi debut recordings as a leader were released in the mid-1970s by the legendary Blue NoteFind albums on this label label, which unfortunately by that time was already taken over by the Majors and attempted to produce mass-market music. Completely disappointed and frustrated by the treatment received from the Music Industry, Minasi decided to abstain completely from recording music, dedicating his time to live performances, teaching, writing and educating. Almost a quarter of a century later he finally made his return as a recording artists and soon after established his own recording label – CDMFind albums on this label Records – which is now his base of operations. This album is the first release on that label and a triumphant return of Minasi to public exposure, spotlighting his amazing talent as a player and improviser. Recorded live at the legendary NY Knitting Factory it features Minasi and his regular trio with the extraordinary bassist Ken FilianoFind albums by this artist and drummer Jackson KrallFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, the material consists entirely of Minasi’s far-reaching interpretations of classic Jazz standards written by Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist and Billy StrayhornFind albums by this artist. Hearing this music is a true revelation. Minasi does things with his guitar, which are simply unimaginable, displaying a technique and virtuosity of staggering proportions, as well as amazing improvisational ability. He can be gentle and lyrical one moment and ferocious the next, all in perfect sense and impeccable taste. Guitar lovers can hear the entire history of Jazz guitar playing in his lines, from Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, Barney KesselFind albums by this artist, Larry CoryellFind albums by this artist, John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist and up to Derek BaileyFind albums by this artist. His supersonic speed is breathtaking and overwhelming, but never flashy and always in total control. Filiano is also amazing, both plucking and bowing his heart away, and Krall displays a rare sensitivity and attention, all of which turns them both into ideal partners for the ride. This is an amazing album, which ought to be heard not only by every guitar player on this planet, but also by every true Jazz lover. Considering the fact the American Jazz is now mostly a vast wasteland of meaningless mainstream doodling, a rare oasis like Minasi is especially refreshing. A gem!

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DOM MINASI ~ GOIN` OUT AGAIN CDM 1002 (Barcode: 765431100223) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003 2nd album released on his own label by US guitarist / composer Dom MinasiFind albums by this artist and his trio with bassist Ken FilianoFind albums by this artist and drummer Jackson KrallFind albums by this artist. The album continues the direction of the wonderful tribute to Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist, as presented on their debut release, but adds in addition to the unique treatment of standards also original compositions by Minasi. This album was recorded in the studio, as opposed to the debut, and therefore is somewhat more laid-back, but none of the brilliance and virtuosity of the musicians is lost in the process. Minasi’s completely unequaled technique is evident every step of the way, with frantic runs over the scales and sublime chords. Filiano’s bass playing is also equally enthralling, and since he serves as the backbone of the trio with his impeccable timing and superb bow work, he is an ideal partner allowing Minasi the freedom to explore his improvisations. Krall is also an ideal drummer for this kind of music, being able to supply the rhythmic ornamentation without trying to impose the pulse. The level of interplay and telepathic communication between all the three musicians is awe-inspiring. Avant-Garde Jazz is never an easygoing listening experience, but Minasi’s work should be accessible to most serious Jazz enthusiasts, providing they are open-minded enough to absorb innovation and unbounded creativity. It might take more that one listening session to truly appreciate this exceptional music, but the end result is guaranteed. Give it a try and you will never regret it later. Not to be missed!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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DOM MINASI ~ TIME WILL TELL CDM 1003 (Barcode: 616892564225) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2001 - 2002 Released: 2003 Listeners familiar with the two trio albums by US guitarist / composer Dom MinasiFind albums by this artist will find this, his 3rd release on his own label CDMFind albums on this label Records quite a surprise. It turns out that the uncompromising pioneer of Avant-Garde guitar has a romantic / lyrical alter ego, which is as refreshing and fascinating as his highly improvised output. In parallel to his regular trio, Minasi also leads a string trio called DDTFind albums by this artist, which includes his regular bass player Ken FilianoFind albums by this artist and the extraordinary cellist Tomas UlrichFind albums by this artist. For this album the trio was expanded to a quartet with the addition of drummer John BollingerFind albums by this artist and Minasi’s wife, singer Carol MennieFind albums by this artist, makes a guest appearance on one track. The music Minasi presents here is mostly contemplative with an emphasis on melody and chamber ambience. Although the album starts and closes with a standard, all the rest of the tracks are by Minasi, revealing his exceptional strength as a composer. These beautifully sad and melancholic tunes are moving and penetrate straight to one’s deeper emotions. I find a lot of Gypsy elements here, hidden traces of Django Reinhardt and his fusion of Gypsy music and Jazz. This album is in many respects a continuation of that tradition, brought up to date by Minasi’s vision. The performances are, as expected, brilliant all the way: Filiano’s bass and Ulrich’s cello sound great both as accompaniment and when soloing, Minasi’s modern approach to guitar playing makes this music fresh and Bollinger adds exactly the right amount of delicate rhythmic ornament this subtle music needs. If Minasi’s Avant-Garde recordings might be just a bit over the top to an average listener, this album should be accessible to every music lover on this planet, even to people who don’t listen to Jazz on a regular basis, as it presents music that is basically beyond any specific genre and completely universal. Don’t even think twice!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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CAROL MENNIE ~ I`M NOT A SOMETIME THING CDM 1004 (Barcode: 616892610120) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 2004 This debut album by US singer Carol MennieFind albums by this artist, wife and life companion of guitarist extraordinaire Dom MinasiFind albums by this artist, is full of surprises. Stepping into the domain of extraordinary Jazz vocal heritage can be extremely risky and many vocalists failed miserably while trying. Mennie manages to avoid the precarious trap by doing the only thing an artist should do – rather that copying prior achievements by others she simply does her own thing. Her deep, sexy and seductive alto is clear and strong enough to carry any tune and she chose material that suits her vocal abilities perfectly. Of course a part of the credit goes to Minasi, who arranged the tunes and was the album’s musical director, as well as to the wonderful cast of contributing musicians, which includes Minasi’s “regulars” bassist Ken FilianoFind albums by this artist and cellist Tomas UrlichFind albums by this artist and other musical friends like Patience HigginsFind albums by this artist on reeds, Valery PonomarevFind albums by this artist (ex-Art BlakeyFind albums by this artist) on trumpet, Michael Jefry StevensFind albums by this artist on piano, Jay RosenFind albums by this artist on drums and Tom McGrathFind albums by this artist on percussion. Minasi’s guitar work is, as usual, superb, showing his deep knowledge of the guitar tradition and ability to play “straightforward” and still be unique. The material includes some favorite standards and five original Minasi’s songs (both music and lyrics), that are as good as the standards. The singer can be both deeply lyrical on the slow ballads and funny and humorous on the up-tempo songs, preserving her personal touch with elegance and gusto. The album is full of precious moments, beautiful instrumental solos and touching vocal delivery, which together create a piece of music that doesn’t try to be pretentious, yet is interesting, intelligent and highly unusual at all times. This is a kind of album that works both in rainy evenings and sunny mornings – a music for all seasons. I truly enjoyed this and honestly await Carol’s next album, hopefully sometime soon.

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DOM MINASI ~ QUICK RESPONSE CDM 1005 (Barcode: 616892598527) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 This quartet date by US guitarist / composer Dom MinasiFind albums by this artist is quite different from his two trio recordings, which brought him back from a quarter of a century long self-imposed exile from recording and stormed the Jazz world with his amazing performances. Together with Mark WhitecageFind albums by this artist on tenor saxophone, Kyle KoehlerFind albums by this artist on organ and John BollingerFind albums by this artist on drums, Minasi presents a laid-back session, which re-examines the Jazz heritage in a contemporary setting. Of the nine compositions included on here, three are re-workings of standards and the other six are Minasi’s compositions, all kept in the “spirit” of Jazz tradition. Minasi’s followers might find this approach surprising, but it is really quite natural for him to play more or less “straight ahead” Jazz, as long as he retains his unique guitar voicing, which of course he does with flying colors here. His delicate and ever so sophisticated solos are truly delightful, time after time, with traces of Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist chords hidden under the surface. The other quartet members play along splendidly, with Whitecage and Koehler adding their tasteful solos, Koehler (when not soloing) supporting the perfect background layers and the basses (with his pedals) gluing the music together and Bollinger driving them all rhythmically. The retro sound of the organ is really delightful, at times somewhat resembling what Larry Young was doing in Tony Williams LifetimeFind albums by this artist. Playing “straight ahead” is a real challenge when the musicians want to retain the element of originality and creativity, which is exactly what happens on this album. For the less experienced Jazz lovers, who might find Minasi’s Avant-Garde work difficult to swallow at first, this is a great introduction to the magical word of his music. Grab it!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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DOM MINASI ~ THE VAMPIRE`S REVENGE CDM 1006 (Barcode: 616892693727) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006 This momentous masterpiece by US guitarist / composer Dom MinasiFind albums by this artist is one of the most ambitious large scale Avant-Garde recordings I’ve come across since the turn of this Century. Although large scale Avant-Garde projects flourished in European Jazz in the late 1960s / 1970 (Keith TippetFind albums by this artist and his CentipedeFind albums by this artist ensemble, Mike WestbrookFind albums by this artist’s Orchestra and many others), the complexity, cost and logistics involved with such projects basically doomed the prospects for such recordings over time with the cultural climate and openness for such endeavors virtually disappearing. Therefore, before even examining the music as such, one must take one’s hat off to Minasi for pulling it all together. The album presents a concept Free Jazz suite, inspired by the writings of Ann RiceFind albums by this artist, to which Minasi was first exposed in the mid-1990s and since then was slowly building up his material for a large scale work on the subject of Vampires – one of the most mysterious and fascinating themes in our world of fantasy, legend and imagination. The last pieces of this complex work were completed just shortly before the recording actually took place. For the recording Minasi assembled a formidable gathering of his “regulars” - his trio members Ken FilianoFind albums by this artist on bass and Jackson KrallFind albums by this artist on drums, his DDTFind albums by this artist cellist Tomas UrlichFind albums by this artist, his singer wife Carol MennieFind albums by this artist, his quartet member saxophonist Mark WhitecageFind albums by this artist and his former quartet member saxophonist Blaise SiwulaFind albums by this artist. In addition he enlisted some of the most prominent names on the US Avant-Garde scene like Borah BergmanFind albums by this artist on piano, Perry RobinsonFind albums by this artist on clarinet and others. A total of 22 musicians participated in the recording sessions for this album, including the conductor Byron OlsonFind albums by this artist, who conducted the immensely complex big ensemble pieces. Describing the music is a task beyond any lingual skills – it is meant to be listened to rather that written about after all. I’ll only say that there is so much music here that it will take even the most experienced listener several listening sessions to start digesting this immense work. Moving between quiet contemplative moments and crescendos of expressionist power, the music tells a story, which each listener might interpret differently, but none can stay indifferent to. Even the most experienced Free Jazz and Avant-Garde listeners will find innovation and exploration of uncharted territory here, which in today’s music is such a rare commodity. It’s demanding, overwhelming, complex and intricate and at the same time communicative and deeply moving. A brilliant piece of modern music, which although known to few, constitutes a ray of hope in contemporary music, symbolizing the pursuit of new horizons by the few musicians, who still care about expanding them. Amazing stuff!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

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JON HEMMERSAM / DOM MINASI ~ THE JON HEMMERSAM / DOM MINASI QUARTET CDM 1008 (Barcode: 616892902720) ~ DENMARK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 This album is a result of a meeting of two kindred spirits, both guitarists / composers, who present a fresh and unique approach to Jazz and guitar playing. Danish guitarist Jon HemmersamFind albums by this artist and his US partner Dom MinasiFind albums by this artist first met in 1994, but the friendship and mutual admiration had to wait for many years until it was finally documented on record. Each of them brought for the session one of their countrymen – Jon brought the drummer Kresten OsgoodFind albums by this artist and Dom brought his faithful bassist Ken FilianoFind albums by this artist. The resulting quartet performs a set of originals written by Jon and Dom, all perfect vehicles for the amazing display of the guitar skills on both acoustic and electric guitars. The compositions vary from up-tempo modern Jazz with freely improvised passages to melodic lyrical ballads and bossa nova pieces. The emphasis is of course on the interplay between the two master guitarists, exchanging licks, chords and ideas spontaneously and complementing each other on the fly. The freer passages might be a bit difficult for a casual Jazz listener, but overall the album is full of great melodies, exceptional playing and musical interplay, enough to satisfy even the most demanding connoisseur. Guitar duets often evolve into a competition, with the musicians trying to frazzle dazzle each other in the process. There is none of that here – Jon & Dom simply play with each other rather that against each other, creating a total that is more than the sum of its parts. I hear a lot of the Gypsy Jazz heritage on that album, especially on the acoustic pieces, which was one of the first genres to feature a double guitar lineup. Listening to this album, with all the elegance and intelligent performances it contains, is a delightful musical journey, which I recommend wholeheartedly.

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