Cartoon Bebop
Dabon Music, 2021
8/10
The composer/arranger Dan Bonsanti is in glowing company on Cartoon Bebop, where a 13 piece jazz ensemble helps him flesh out compositions by Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, among many others.
The title tracks starts the listen with playful percussion as a full setting emits plenty of timeless jazz qualities including solos from Ed Calle’s tenor sax and Jason Carder’s trumpet, and “Misturada” follows with frisky flute prowess in a light atmosphere that benefits greatly from Kemuel Roig’s piano and Lee Levin’s drums.
Some of the best tracks reside in the middle, including the ultra quick sax from Calle and bass acrobatics from Nicky Orta on “Got A Match?”, while “Driftin” highlights Ed Maina’s alto sax and Mike Levine’s keys amid a big band execution. “When I Look Into Your Eyes”, one of the calmer tunes of the bunch, is just as romantic as the title implies, where soothing intimacy enters the cautious song craft.
As we approach the end, “Infant Eyes” showcases Randy Bernsen’s fluid guitar work in the graceful landscape, and “A Day Tripper’s Blues Buffet” exits the listen bright, vibrant and full of contagious energy thanks to Lindsey Blair’s guitar work and Calle’s sax skils.
A collection of swingin’ fun, pop and fusion friendly songwriting, and, of course, with Bonsanti’s always creative arranging present, there just isn’t a second here wasted, as the ensemble execute with precision, timelessness and a whole lot of flair.
Travels well with: Henry Robinett Quartet- Jazz Standards Volume 2: Then Again; Jeff Ellwood- The Sounds Around The House