Strong hopeful jazz excellence Clemens Grassmann – GRASS MACHINE: It’s been a while since I reviewed “Midnight Apple” from drummer and composer Clemens, which got very high marks from me… first, you can get an intimate explanation of how the new album came into being…
…there are many more videos, too, so be sure to SUBSCRIBE to Clemens YouTube channel.
As always, Clemens made sure he had the “cream of the crop” supporting him… Aaron Bahr – Trumpet; David Milazzo – Alto Sax; Sam Dillon – Tenor Sax; Chris Bittner – Tenor Sax; Chris McCarthy – Piano and Cole Davis – Bass… as you listen to the upbeat and lively “Glimpse of a Second Sound“, which closes out the album, you’ll hear why I believe this album will be getting MASSIVE airplay on jazz stations all around the world!
Two other tunes that just can’t be overlooked are the stunning opener, “Re-op“, which best shows Clemen’s unique writing style and progressions… an absolute winner. The other is “Petrichor” (which means the smell of the earth after a rainfall)… this is a more “traditional” offering, in the sense of a ballad… lush and extensive horn parts blend together with the other instruments to create one of the most expressive songs you’ll hear in 2022.
The album was recorded in Rudy Van Gelder Studios, in the exact same room that gave birth to John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme, and on songs like “Rat Jacuzzi“, you can almost feel the spirit of ‘Trane… this song smokes with vibrant energy, and will carry you away into the ether, folks… I just loved Cole’s bass work on this beautiful jazz tune!
McCarthy’s beautiful piano opens “Tech Delight” and is soon joined by the other players in one of the most well-coordinated and smoothly flowing songs I’ve ever listened to… amazing is the keyword, folks.
If you’re looking for REALLY lively jazz, you’ll find what you were seeking on my personal favorite of the six stellar tracks offered up… “Chicken on a Trane” is hoppin’ from the very first bar, and doesn’t quit until your toes are totally tapped out, lol!
I give Clemens and all his high-energy players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with a (perfect) “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 5.00… which means he also get a “PICK” for “best jazz album”. Get more information on the Clemens Grassmann website. Rotcod Zzaj
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