Out On The Coast
Basset Hound, 2021
9/10
An esteemed arranger/composer from the West Coast, David Angel join forces with Jim Self, Ron Stout, Stephanie O’Keefe and many others across 3 discs of both originals and standards that, amazingly, was all recorded in just 4 days.
“Out On The Coast” gets the album off to a strong start with the bright, rhythmic brass meshing well with Paul Kreibich’s fluent drumming in an opening of timeless, melodic jazz, and “Wig” continues the precise playing with Jim Self’s rumbling tuba adding much to the frisky and exquisitely textured landscape.
Further on, “Prelude To A Kiss” trims the volume back to a warm, romantic climate of cautious jazz, while “Hershey Bar” exits disc 1 with a shuffling, dance friendly display of brass acrobatics amid a lively energy.
Disc 2 leads with “Between”, where John Chiodini’s intricate guitar lines illuminate the bouncy climate, and “Leaves” demonstrates incredible chemistry as trumpets, sax, and trombone all emit much radiance. “Moonlight”, the highlight from this portion, then flows with sublime beauty as restraint is practiced with a meticulous and inviting nature.
The final disc is just 6 tracks, but it’s no less impactful, where songs like the breezy and glorious “Latka Variations”, and the “Love Letter To Pythagoras”, which is both introspective and moody, find a place to reside. “L.A. Mysterioso Dog Howls” exits the listen with a dreamy demeanor and imaginative sax prowess, further solidifying the top notch songwriting present across the entire listen.
A diverse project that spans waltzes, Latin sounds, swinging fun and symphonic moments, although Angel might not be a name most are familiar with, after a single spin of Out On The Coast you’ll likely not forget his name or his exceptional talent.
Travels well with: Mark Winkler & David Benoit- Old Friends; Roseanna Vitro- Listen Here