The Pacific Jazz Group
Ropeadope, 2023
8/10
Listen to The Pacific Jazz Group
The inimitable pianist Dred Scott introduces this new project, where Eric Crystal, John Wiitala and Smith Dobson join him for songs by Bernie Miller, Russ Freeman, Gerry Mulligan and Shorty Rogers.
“Bernie’s Tune” gets the listen off to a lively start, where Crystal’s lively sax and Scott’s warm piano make for strong melodies, and “Maid In Mexico” follows with cultured drumming aligning with swift keys and and soulful brass.
In the middle, the fluid “Casa De Luz” offers a swift pace of rhythmic and energetic musicianship, while “Festive Minor” trims the pace back with cozy piano, meticulous sax and strategic bass playing. The final track, “Utter Chaos”, is quite controlled, where flowing jazz qualities illustrate a striking interaction between the quartet.
Scott has already impressed us with his 11 prior recordings, and now with The Pacific Jazz Group he touches on the laidback formula of West Coast jazz from the ‘60s with much style and charm.
Travels well with: Marc Ciprut- Blue House; Wayne Alpern- Saxology