PlaySPACE 2: Play Harder
Single Malt, 2022
8/10
Listen to PlaySPACE 2: Play Harder
The saxophonist and bandleader Chris Greene heads up a listen that’s witty, humorous and takes help from Damian Espinosa (piano, keyboards, percussion), Marc Piane (double bass, electric bass, percussion) and Steve Corley (drums, percussion) across these 7 engaging tracks.
“Divers” starts the listen with 2 minutes of comical explanation that segues into 13 minutes of rowdy drumming, adventurous brass and warm keys as a very skilled version of jazz fusion unfolds.
Elsewhere, “Caravans” recruits Latin influences, where grooves aren’t in short supply, and the bass and keys work together dynamically, while “Samba Fu Maga” showcases firm drumming and 7/8 time alongside funk moments and fluid melodies. “You Win Again” exits the listen, and brings a bluesy, soulful cautiousness to the Hank Williams original that we’ve all heard before, but never quite like this.
Greene has been performing with a quartet since 2005, and this version has been consistent since 2011. These tracks were laid down mostly live in 2019 in the band’s hometown of Evanston, Illinois, and embrace the cleverness of Dave Attell mixed with the unpredictable jazz nods to Maceo Parker or even John Coltrane, which I doubt anyone is going to have a problem with.
Travels well with: Marcus Strickland Twi-Life- People Of The Sun; Jane Ira Bloom- Wild Lines: Improvising Emily Dickinson