jazzwrap.blogspot.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2011

Jared Gold

Jared Gold (organ)

All Wrapped Up (Posi-Tone Records)

Jim Rotondi (trumpet)

Ralph Bowen (sax)

Quincy Davis (drums)

Jared Gold is one of those organ players that uses the instrument more like a piano than an instrument to bang out chords. Like the legends Larry Young, Shirley Scott, or Jack McDuff, he uses his compositions and band mates to construct an impressive and unique environment around himself. Gold creates beauty within a soulful jazz groove that quickly becomes infectious. But you the listener will be more influenced by the performances of this quartet more than the idea of a funky groove.

And that idea is clear and on display throughout All Wrapped Up, Gold’s fourth album as leader. Opening with the fiery “My Sentiments Exactly,” Gold makes a bold statement that this will be a heavy session but with a lot emotion and input from his fellow bandmates. This time around he circles himself with a superior lineup of Ralph Bowen, Jim Rotondi and Quincy Davis, all of whom have played with Gold in one incarnation or another. But on All Wrapped Up each member contributes to the session giving the proceedings a versatile and dynamic nature. Bowen is the real highlight on “My Sentiments Exactly” as he exchanges some tonal acrobatics with Gold that really get this piece smokin’ during the mid-section. Awesome stuff.

Another set of soulful notes occurs on “Piece Of Mine” which sees Bowen, Rotondi and Davis delivering some very romantic rhythms. Jim Rotondi continues to show why he is one most electrifying hard bop trumpeters on the scene today. He delivers some hard poppin’ solos during this piece, while Quincy Davis and Gold share some head-bopping, toe-tapping grooves that holds the listener’s excitement throughout. “Dark Blue” is as it sounds, more a deep ballad with Gold effectively shaping the sound from the outside in. He adds some deeply soulful tones that construct a more Jimmy Smith or Doug Carn atmosphere than the usual aforementioned influences. “Dark Blue” was written by Jim Rotondi, so it is expected that he would shine with delightful solos along with Bowen.

“Just A Suggestion” sees the group really move into the funky Meters-type realm. Definitely a barn-burner if you hear it live. The group really lets loose and you feel the fire that builds up throughout the entire session really exploding on this piece. Gold gets the best beats out of Davis on “Just A Suggestion.” A solid group effort to finish out the session.

Jared Gold in just a few short years on scene has really established himself as an upcoming force on the scene as a leader and musician. All Wrapped Up succeeds not just because of the experience of the lineup but also the versatility of the quartets leader. In All Wrapped Up, Jared Gold has made a fourth album that burns and soothes in both sound and composition.

steptempest.blogspot.com

There’s something about the Hammond B-3 organ that makes it just right for “soul-jazz.”  Over the years, musicians such as the “Jimmys” – Smith and McGriff – Charles Earland, Larry Young and Joey De Francesco have played all sorts of tunes utilizing the big organ.

Jared Gold continues in the long tradition of blending hard-bop and soul elements into a tasty aural treat. His 4th release for the L.A.-based Posi-Tone Records label, “All Wrapped Up“, replaces the guitar in his ensemble with saxophonist Ralph Bowen and trumpeter Jim Rotondi, both players who know how to heat up a session. Add to the mix the incendiary drumming of Quincy Davis and the program is fun from note one. The explosive opening track, “My Sentiments Exactly“, sets the pace – listen to how Gold rides easily atop Davis’s race-car drive and the way Bowen and Rotondi rise to the occasion. The soulful strut of “Piece of Mine” has a handsome melody voiced by the trumpet and saxophone.  Rotondi seems to build his solo off both the rapid-fire snare drumming and organ fills while Bowen sways over the beat.  Gold really digs in for his 2-handed foray (his footwork on the bass pedals is dandy throughout.)

Other highlights include “Saudades“, which hints at Latin roots but slides lightly atop Davis’s sparkling cymbals and Gold’s full-voiced chordal work.  Then, there is the “fatback funk” of “Mama Said” with strong solos all around led by the “can’t miss” beat provided by Davis.

“All Wrapped Up” is fun music, great for turning up the speakers and shaking the walls.  Gold unselfishly shares the spotlight; it’s all for good that both Bowen and Rotondi are fully committed to make the session successful.  With Quincy Davis piloting the ship from the drum set, this CD is a real treat. For more information, go to www.posi-tone.com.

Here’s the opening track, courtesy of Posi-Tone Recordsand IODA Promonet:

My Sentiments Exactly (mp3)

POSTED BY CULTURECREATURE (RICHARD B. KAMINS) AT 10:21 AM

www.audaud.com

Jared Gold – All Wrapped Up – Posi-Tone

Some golden moments….

Published on April 10, 2011

Jared Gold – All Wrapped Up – Posi-Tone PR 8080, 50:03 ****½:

(Jared Gold, organ; Ralph Bowen, tenor sax; Jim Rotondi, trumpet and flugelhorn; Quincy Davis, drums)

Jared Gold covers all the bases on his latest Posi-Tone release,All Wrapped Up. From what could be called standard Hammond B-3 fare of a Jack McDuff, to more adventurous edgy voyages that Larry Young brought that inspired more free blowing by horn sidemen, Jared is a Hammond man of all seasons and genres.

Using front line giants Jim Rotondi and Ralph Bowen allows Gold to branch off in any direction. Rotondi has the power to blow off the doors and yet can melt your heart on a ballad. Bowen is much the same with a winning combination of free blowing matched by in the pocket groove making that sets up Gold to go either direction.

Jared wrote five of the eight tracks while Rotondi, Bowen, and Davis each contributing a composition. “Get Out of My Sandbox” gives Rotondi free rein to up the ante after the members open with a foot-tappin’ riff. Ralph and Jim can blend like frothy milk on a latte. Jared throws in organ lines to back the horns. “Piece of Mine” is a classic organ/ horn stone groove. I never tire of Rotondi’s mix of brass with sass.

Bowen’s “Midnight Snack” packs a wallop and would keep you up well past the witching hour, while “Dark Blue” might be more appropriate late night listening. I dug Gold’s spot perfect organ lines here which make you pay attention as he shows he belongs with the top young organists leading the return to the source movement. Those of us that can’t get enough Hammond grease with our aural meals are in good hands with these new keepers of the flame. “Mama Said” is a perfect example of honoring the past with an eye toward the future. I’d put this track on any inner city restaurant jukebox to accompany some serious rib action.

“Saudades” adds a little edgy introspection to the mix, less a toe-tapper than a serious listening experience. “Just a Suggestion” gives Quincy Davis a chance to shine while Bowen opens up. You can unwrap this CD in a few weeks, just in time for some serious Spring partying. Kudos again to producer Marc Free and engineer, Nick O’Toole, for their usual top rate Posi-Tone pristine sound mix that we’ve come to expect. They never disappoint…

TrackList: My Sentiments Exactly, Get Out of My Sandbox, Piece of Mine, Midnight Snack, Dark Blue, Mama Said, Saudades, Just a Suggestion

– Jeff Krow

saxshed.com

Jared Gold – All Wrapped Up

Jazz organist Jared Gold is soon to release his cd All Wrapped Up on April 12, 2011. The energetic quartet features Gold on organ, tenor saxophonist extraordinaire Ralph Bowen, trumpeter Jim Rotondi and Quincy Davis on drums.From the opening bars of the hard swinging, up-tempo My Sentiments Exactly to the final funky Just a Suggestion, this group nails it – plain and simple. Bowen on sax and Rotondi on trumpet compliment one another whether in unison or harmony as evidenced on Get Out of My Sandbox. The opening melodic statement is followed by a blisteringly swinging solo by Bowen. Rotondi solos second after Bowen, which is often an unenviable task. Not to be outdone, the gifted trumpeter lays down an equally brilliant solo of his own. Jared Gold solos last with Quincy Davis punctuating behind the drums. Piece of Mine, written by Quincy Davis, begins in laid back fashion by comparison to the first two cuts. Bowen’s glistening tenor sound begins the head with Rotondi’s trumpet taking a secondary roll until embarking on the first solo. His playing here is clever, driving and a pure pleasure to listen. Davis and Gold lay a thick bed for both Rotondi and Bowen to solo over. The ensemble has a huge sound for only four musicians. Things thin out a bit for Gold’s organ solo and again Davis pushes and pokes behind each soloist. The final statement of the head reveals a tasteful duel between trumpet and tenor. Perky and playful is Midnight Snack this time written by Ralph Bowen. Bowen solos first, weaving a stream of eighth notes and then blossoming into more adventurous ground where he explores the altissimo register and some great rhythmic interplay with the rhythm section. Davis and Gold beautifully alternate between Latin and swing behind Rotondi’s solo. The rhythmic sensitivity of the entire group is particularly evident between Davis and Gold during his organ solo. Davis also has an opportunity to stretch a bit at the end. Although this is clearly a great feature for Jared Gold on organ, he does a very nice job of showcasing the talents of the entire ensemble. Although Gold has penned 5 of the 8 cuts,  each member of the group has contributed an original composition to the recording. Dark Blue is the bittersweet, slow and swinging composition by trumpeter Jim Rotondi. It may not be the most exciting tune recorded on All Wrapped Up however the group executed it with the same fire and passion as the more lively cuts. One highlight onDark Blue comes when Gold literally “pulls out all the stops” just before Rotondi’s likeable trumpet solo. Bowen solos last before the last head, once again demonstrating he has great chops. The soulful Mama Said ought to make anyone within earshot want to get up and move. Something about this tune harkens back to the great sound of the Jazz Crusaders. It’s difficult to decide whether I am more attracted to Ralph Bowen’s sound, his feel or his impeccable technique. All three shine so very brightly on Mama Said. The penultimate track is the brooding Saudades written by Jared Gold. Rotondi takes the melody on trumpet. His sound is fat and round – almost like a flugelhorn. Bowen joins him briefly on the harmonized melody before Gold takes the first solo. Bowen also solos before the trumpet and tenor play the melody one last time. The uplifting Just a Suggestion leaves this recording on a high note. Just as on Mama Said, I found myself bouncing in my chair while listening to this song. If the groove were not enough, Ralph Bowen plays a wonderful solo where he solidifies that he is one of the premier living tenor saxophonists on this planet. At the risk of sounding overly flattering toward this group, I cannot contain my admiration for Ralph Bowen’s abilities as a saxophonist and more importantly – musician. He continually surrounds himself with the best musicians of our time and Jared Gold’s All Wrapped Up is no exception. Quincy Davis, Jim Rotondi, Ralph Bowen and Jared Gold work seamlessly together to produce a recording that will take a prominent place in my cd changer and on my iPod. Run; do not walk to buy this cd on April 19, 2011.

somethingelsereviews.com

As I type this review, I’m listening to not necessarily All Wrapped Up, the new record by organist Jared Gold, but also Unity by Larry Young. I know, it doesn’t make sense, since it’s Gold’s record being reviewed here, not Young’s. But something struck me about All Wrapped Up when I listened to it the last time: Gold’s artistic development is going along the same track as Young’s did. Whereas Young started out as a Jimmy Smith wannabe and blossomed into the Coltrane of the B-3 by the time of Unity, Gold is in a similar fashion moving from the Jack McDuff strains from his time in Dave Stryker’s group and into the denser but more fascinating world of modal jazz.

When we last left Gold, which, heck, was only last September, he had just put out his third record Out Of Line, a solid date that included his old boss Stryker. This time, though, Gold plays with the same setup Young did forUnity: a trumpet/sax front line alongside his organ andQuincy Davis’ drums (Benny Green, Tom Harrell, Cyrus Chestnut, Regina Carter). And though it isn’t Joe Henderson and Woody Shaw doing the blowing, Ralph Bowen and Jim Rotondi are plenty good enough, thank you very much. Like their counterparts from the 60s, Bowen and Rotondi are seasoned vets who’ve long ago established their own voice and are comfortable in even the most challenging settings. Which is what we now know about Mr. Gold with the introduction of album #4, All Wrapped Up.

I kept going going through each track wondering when I was going to come across a song that was composed “straight,” like a 12 bar blues or something, but Gold wasn’t content to fall back on simple changes and make this a hot blowing session, even though he could have easily done so with the talent at his disposal. That in itself demonstrates a great deal of maturity for this younger player, but through eight originals—six of which are Gold’s—he goes a step further and makes this a more fascinating set, too.

“My Sentiments Exactly” kicks off the proceedings and on the surface it might appear that I’ve got it all backwards, with some red hot solos by Gold, Bowen and Rotondi. But listen closely to the elusive melody underneath and Gold picking his spots carefully in note placement when he’s comping. That’s no greasy soul-jazz, there. Through different tempos and harmonic approaches, the story is pretty much the same for most of the remaining tracks, too, including Davis’ own pearl, the strutting “Piece of Mine.” Davis’ samba stylings rule over “Midnight Snack,” even when he’s not soloing.

After that cut, the formula changes just a smidge. Rotondi’s “Dark Blue” is a slow, nocturnal slow sizzler, and with the lax pace and the wide open spaces, the players are resorting even more to sophisticated colorings and graceful maneuvers; Gold’s masterly mood modulations of his organ here is eminent. “Mama Said” is really an RnB tune and the closest thing to a conventional melody on the record; Gold’s organ’s got a church-minded swagger to it. Rotondi, playing at a high level everywhere, puts in his best solo on this track. Bowen, who also has played flawlessly and free of clichés, leaves behind a glowing trail of soulful notes on his solo in the esoteric ballad “Saudades.”

There are plenty of really good groove organ jazz records being made with regularity. It’s much more difficult to make a really good organ jazz record that’s centered on intelligent interplay, complex compositions and nuanced improvisation. Taking the road less travelled, Jared Gold succeeded in making that kind of record. Consequently, it’s a more satisfying listen in the longer run. When sizing up his last album, I opined that “Out Of Line is a progression from the mighty fine Supersonic; not a huge leap, but a steady expansion of his craft.” This time, Gold took that big leap.

Scheduled for release April 19 by Posi-Tone Records, All Wrapped Up is all that it’s cracked up to be, and then some.

midwestrecord.com

JARED GOLD/All Wrapped Up: Wide ranging organ date that is all original but sounds like any number of Miles/Prestige era dates. Kicking it off like it’s a classic inspired outing, the moves move all over the board from mainstream to uber progressive and you can be sure Gold is moving the organ forward throughout—and beyond. Aggressive and upbeat, this is the sound of what it is to be a contemporary jazzbo right now. Well done.
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