Cary Kilner

 Cary Kilner's Picks: Volume 11

John Patitucci –  Postcard
As in the cut from last week, Chris Potter is impressive on alto and Danilo Perez is truly remarkable; playing with such beauty and economy.
John appears to be on acoustic bass at the start, but later plays a very interesting and melodic electric bass solo mixed apparently against his own accompaniment. How did he do that? Then Chris Potter comes in playing a very interesting solo as the energy builds up -- truly an interesting and musical performance from this group. John also plays brilliant acoustic solos on other cuts on this CD, as well as one tune with only drums.
 
Paul Desmond – Just Squeeze Me
It just don’t get no better than this! Ed Bickert is the model of economy. Notice his gorgeous chord voicings when he begins his solo. Ron Carter shows how he is the model of melodic and supportive timekeeping, especially after the head (the melody) is played. There is so much space in this beautiful performance. Connie Kay (from the Modern Jazz Quartet) is the model of unobtrusive taste. And Paul Desmond – what can we say? When I was a kid I read wonderful articles in The New Yorker magazine featuring jazz musicians. I recall one on Dave Brubeck and one on Elvin Jones. But the one on Paul aptly described him as “the sound of a dry martini.”
 
Pat Martino - Recollection
Back in Week 5 I provided a link to Pat Martino and Joey DeFrancesco playing Oleo, but the link ended abruptly during the organ solo and the sound quality wasn’t great. One of the YouTube comments listed the following performance from that group playing “Live at Yoshi’s” in 2001.
 
Pat Martino - Blue in Green
This has better recording quality and shows the astounding sound and technique of all three players, but especially Pat. You can hear more clearly how he chooses his notes. Notice how much music these three musicians can make. And see how each musician is able to speak clearly at this fast tempo without interfering with each other. As a keyboard player myself, I am intrigued by how Joey manages to keep this tempo up playing the left-hand bass for 8 minutes!
 
Tony Williams - Young at Heart
This wonderful trio album, showcases Mulgrew Miller who has, unfortunately, passed. You must hear the whole album because it is an outstanding piano trio. Mulgrew is another of my favorites for his swinging and his harmonic approach. It is interesting to hear Tony in this context and not with Miles nor with his fierce Lifetime bands.