Ed Neumeister Quartet - New Standards (2005)

This self-produced and hard-to-find Austrian release features trombone phenom Ed Neumeister in a rare, intimate setting as leader of a first-class quartet. The American trombonist's classical music background is reflected in his carefully articulated lines and pristine sound, but as with Wynton Marsalis, Neumeister is equally at home playing jazz standards, as he does here with considerable aplomb. Boasting a comfortable three-octave range, the under-recorded Neumeister easily negotiates the changes to his complex "Spring Street," in which he leaps wide intervals with incredible speed, and on the signature Strayhorn tune "Take The "A" Train," on which the trombonist soloed regularly during his time with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. In terms of technique, Neumeister can do it all, from exhibiting expansive range; spectacular agility; trills; and old-time, down-home, gut-wrenching effects with the wah-wah mute, something he displays to excellent effect on Jimmy Rowles' "The Peacocks." At his best, as on the latter tune, the trombonist is one of the finest of his generation, an underrated giant waiting to be discovered. The only drawback is the lack of emotional depth on some of the tunes, in which a consistency in volume detracts from the overall effect. Nonetheless, for much of this recording, the trombonist brings his considerable bag of tricks to the table and leaves the listener largely satisfied, ready for more. His first-rate rhythm section, particularly drummer John Hollenbeck, is a big plus. ~ Steve Loewy, AMG. 

MeisteroMusic, CSM Y0221-C08, 2005
Recorded at Soundborn Studios, Vienna, Austria 

Musicians:
Ed Neumeister - Trombone
Fritz Pauer - Piano
Drew Gress - Double Bass
John Hollenbeck - Drums, Percussion 

Tracks:
1. Take The "A" Train {Billy Strayhorn} (7:22)
2. Picks & Pans {John Scofield} (7:45)
3. Spring Street {Ed Neumeister} (9:49)
4. The Peacocks {Jimmy Rowles} (8:18)
5. A Walk In The Woods {Ed Neumeister} (10:37)
6. Speak Low {Kurt Weill} (7:18) 

Total Time: 51:14 

Credits:
Producer - Ed Neumeister
Recording Engineer - Gerhard Wessely, Fabian Wessely 

Take The "A" Train

Bob Brookmeyer & Kenny Wheeler Quintet - Island (2003)

Veterans Bob Brookmeyer and Kenny Wheeler explore shared sensibilities on Island, a collection that could have fit comfortably in Wheeler's ECM catalogue, but instead spearheads the resuscitated Artists House label. Although they've not recorded together before, they set each other up and finish each other's thoughts like a long-married couple. The island in question seems more north Atlantic than Caribbean. While the program tends toward moody mid-tempo tunes, the high level of playing keeps monotony at bay. The disc opens with "Before the First Time," and Brookmeyer blowing breathy velvet. Bassist Jeremy Allen echoes and tweaks Brookmeyer's lines, and when Kenny joins with Frank Carlberg on piano and John Hollenbeck on drums, the thaw is on. Brookmeyer and Wheeler join voices and justifiably show off their tones. Carlberg plays off the time to push the momentum, then it drops back to Brookmeyer and Allen with Hollenbeck whispering on cymbals. By the time Wheeler gets to drive the engine’s warmed up and he delights in sharp turns. Beginning slow and spacious, Wheeler's "114" coalesces with soulful interplay between the horns. The rhythm section sets it on simmer while Wheeler takes a thrill ride solo. Brookmeyer covers as much ground with fewer notes. The ensemble plays a majestic outro. "Song for Kenny" gives Wheeler some elegant minors to play through. He states the theme and finds Brookmeyer on the bridge. Their counterpoint gives way to Wheeler's flowing take, which in turn yields to Brookmeyer’s swinging assessment. The piece ends wistfully. “Upstairs with Beatrice” swings with Brookmeyer telling his story first. Carlberg plays a repetitive line against a quirky drum pattern until Wheeler sails through sweeping everyone along. The arrangement includes some fine unison playing by the horns. Brookmeyer's "Island" boasts an exotic melody first stated by Wheeler. The sparse rhythm section leaves Wheeler and Brookmeyer room to trade lines and solo. The band lays out as Carlberg plays a dramatic interlude. Hollenbeck's cymbals recreate wave song. "Strange One" works a Jeremy Allen's bowed bass and repetitive figure from Carlberg against Wheeler's flight of inspiration. Brookmeyer turns the melody over while Hollenbeck experiments with odd ambient sounds. The Brookmeyer/Wheeler collaboration shows two long time players apparently still in ascent. ~ by Rex Butters, AAJ. 

Artist House Records, AH0006, 2003
Recorded 27th-29th September, 2002 at Mix One Studios, Boston, Massachusetts 

Musicians:
Bob Brookmeyer - Trombone [Valve]
Kenny Wheeler - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Frank Carlberg - Piano
Jeremy Allen - Bass
John Hollenbeck - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Before The First Time {Kenny Wheeler} (7:56)
2. 114 {Kenny Wheeler} (7:29)
3. Where Do We Go From Here? {Kenny Wheeler} (7:45)
4. Song For Kenny {Bob Brookmeyer} (9:43)
5. Upstairs With Beatrice {Bob Brookmeyer} (7:22)
6. Island {Bob Brookmeyer} (9:46)
7. Strange One {Kenny Wheeler} (5:41) 

Total Time: 55:46 

Credits:
Producer - John Snyder
Engineer - Ted Paduck
Assistant Engineer - Brian Warwick
Mastering - James Mageras [Sound Bunker]