Touch And Go
Basset Hound, 2023
8/10
The tuba wizard Jim Self and esteemed guitarist John Chiodini come together for these 12 lively tunes that also reel in Ron Stout, Ken Wild and Kendall Kay.
The title track gets the listen off to a frisky start, where Self’s thick tuba is met with Kay’s lively drums, and “Ain’t Misbehavin’” follows with Chiodini’s meticulous guitar lines amid Stout’s animated trumpet playing.
Further along, “Ornathardy” uses the shimmering guitar and light drums to its advantage via the intimate landscape, while the upbeat and dance floor ready “Prolepsis” benefits much from Wild’s precise bass playing that populates the melodic album highlight.
Close to the end, the dueling brass is aligned with crisp drumming in “Whisper Not”, and “Dig” exits with a very energetic climate of agile drumming and lively horns that are met with the charming bass plucking of the bebop finish.
This is Self’s 21st album, and it continues his fluid songwriting in a collaborative setting where each track brings new surprises that are very much appreciated thanks to the swingin’, bluesy and jazz fueled moments.
Travels well with: Grant Geissman- Blooz; John Alle- Past Imperfect