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This recording catches bassist Joe Fonda and pianist Michael
Stevens leading their legendary quintet in a compilation of three
different European concerts. Fonda and Stevens wrote all the pieces
on this CD, which also features new music trumpeter Herb Robertson,
drummer Harvey Sorgen, and alto saxophonist/clarinetist Mark
Whitecage. While most of these performers are identified with the
freer styles of jazz, Evolution is a chance to hear them in a
diversity of contexts. "Song for my Mother" is a lovely, lyrical
ode that encompasses melodic invention and avant-garde playing.
"Birdtalk" is dedicated to Charlie Parker and offers some rare bop
soloing by Robertson. The head of "Second Time Around" was written
only with rhythmic notation, but without predetermined pitches.
"Strayhorn" is a moving remembrance of the titan arranger that
stretches as it looks back. Robertson and Whitecage are
particularly strong performers throughout and clearly enjoy the
variety of moods and tempos. While the recording suffers somewhat
from poor sound quality, the outstanding musicianship clearly
compensates. ~ Steve Loewy
This version of one of the great and often underappreciated jazz
groups of the modern era features trumpeter Herb Robertson with the
usual all-star rhythm section of bassist Joe Fonda, pianist Michael
Jefry Stevens, and drummer Harvey Sorgen. The co-leaders share the
responsibility for the compositions and arrangements, the intricacy
and delicacy of which are a large part of what gives this group its
distinct character. If the sensitive nature of some of the pieces
causes anyone to question whether any of these players have chops,
Fonda wrote the riveting "Fast," for an uplifting, blistering
workout. Robertson is the sort of brass player who sends up an
endless array of spidery, rubber phrases that wail with the
authenticity of a laughing coyote. Favoring mutes and always
throwing in touches of humor, the trumpeter impresses with his
agility, range, and command. One strength of the quartet is the
ability and willingness of each of its idiosyncratic members to
subordinate to the ensemble sound. Fonda is a gas when he sings
lightly while his fingers bounce along in solo, while co-leader
Stevens' more abstractly intellectual approach adds a classically
infused element, tempered by his sense of swing. The quality of
sound is a bit subpar on the three live numbers, but overall this
is another highly satisfying outing from this outstanding ensemble
that bills itself as the Fonda-Stevens Group. ~ Steven Loewy
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