TWO RELEASES FROM JAZZOLOGY
Two CDs put out by Jazzology in 2020 are well worth discovering. Trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso and clarinetist Evan Christopher are among today’s New Orleans jazz greats although both also play swing and other related styles. Kellso’s Sweet Fruits Salty Roots showcases him in a quartet with Christopher, guitarist Don Vappie and bassist Peter Harris.
Due to the instrumentation of the pianoless, drumless quartet, one may be reminded briefly of the classic Sidney Bechet session from 1940 with Muggsy Spanier. However Kellso and Christopher both have their own sounds and can generally be identified within a few notes. The trumpeter does hint at Bunny Berigan and (to a lesser extent) Louis Armstrong in spots, and recalls Cootie Williams when he uses the plunger mute, but he very much sounds like himself. Ironically Christopher, who on other projects has shown that he can sound close to Sidney Bechet, never does on this date. He primarily plays a supportive role with his mellow tone and superior harmonizing skill being perfect foils for Kellso’s frequently heated solos.
The dozen songs performed by the quartet are mostly lesser-known numbers such as “Have A Heart,” “Heah Me Talkin’ To Ya,” and “One For The Duke.” It is particularly great to hear the revival of such tunes as “Coal Cart Blues,” “No Regrets,” and “Diane.” With the quietly swinging rhythm section, Christopher’s ensemble playing, and Kellso’s ability to build up solos and ensembles to an exciting level, this is an essential CD.
Evan Christopher’s Art Of The New Orleans Trio was recorded on the same two days as Kellso’s album. Six songs apiece have the clarinetist joined by either Vappie and Harris or pianist Kris Tokarski and drummer Benny Amon. Unlike with the other CD, Christopher is very much the dominant voice on this project, taking fluent solos that are filled with subtle surprises and inventive ideas. The six songs with Vappie and Harris have the leader contributing five of the six selections (all but Fats Waller’s “Lonesome Me” which has Kellso joining as a guest in an alternate version from his own date) while the Tokarski and Amon Trio performs four Christopher originals plus “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and Scott Joplin’s “The Cascades.” The music swings gently even during the faster tempos and Evan Christopher is heard in top form throughout.
Jon-Erik Kellso
Sweet Fruits Salty Roots
Jazzology JCD-408
www.jazzology.com
Ecvan Christopher
Art Of The New Orleans Trio
Jazzology JCD-416
www.jazzology.com
