Human Qualities
Summit, 2021
9/10
Schapiro 17’s debut, New Shoes: Kind Of Blue At 60, impressed me with its interpretations of Miles Davis’ work, and this follow up album makes quite a dent as Jon Schapiro welcomes his 17 piece big band to flesh out the swinging 7 originals and 1 standard.
“Count Me Out” starts the listen and makes an immediate impression with lively keys from Roberta Piket, as vibrant brass accents the feel good jazz setting that also embraces an orchestral approach, and “Tango” follows with a calming beauty that’s packed with soulful saxophone prowess from Matt Hong that gets pretty adventurous, too.
At the halfway point, the lone cover, “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face”, finds itself mesmerizing us for 9+ minutes of romantic and graceful yet dark song craft that benefits from Eddie Allen’s trumpet, while “Human Qualities” bounces and shakes with frisky drums from Jon Wikan, as Evan Gregor’s strategic bass plucks playfully alongside spirited and upbeat sax prowess which never follows predictable patterns.
As we get towards the end, “A Bounce In Her Step” flows with both busy moments of dynamic, rhythmic chemistry in the timeless jazz climate, as well as calmer, agile moments of harmony, and “House Money” exits the listen with a soulfulness that transcends time amid its groove friendly, New Orleans nods.
Also an academic and educator, Schapiro brings an innovative and highly articulate set of skills to some of the most exciting modern day big band jazz with Human Qualities, and it’s likely you’ll find nothing but intrigue for all 71 minutes of it.
Travels well with: Paul Shaw Quintet- Moment Of Clarity; Alberto Pibiri- Jazz Legacy