Aim To Stay
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
A Vancouver resident and bass enthusiast, this debut album from William Chernoff brings Thad Bailey-Mai, Jonny Tobin, Carson Tworow and Bobby Wiens to 8 tracks he actually penned as a teenager, and then recorded as a young adult.
Chernoff starts the album with the title track, where Bailey-Mai’s warm trumpet leads into Tobin’s graceful keys as the charming bass anchors the cautious opener, and “Stop Me If You’ve Heard Enough” follows with a playful delivery of lively jazz, where nods to American guitarist Bill Frisell are welcomed.
Halfway through, “Nomads” benefits greatly from Wiens’ deft drumming on the upright bass friendly atmosphere, while “Being Bill”, the album highlight, offers a stylish execution of thriving melodies- something that Chernoff is quite versed in.
Close to the end, “Sitting To Her Left” resides in gentler waters, where Chernoff’s plucked bass makes an indelible impression, and “Makie Elkino” exits the listen groove friendly, where keys and guitar dance around each other with much skill and lasting power.
Although he’s still a youngster, Chernoff plays like a seasoned vet here, and while he’s quickly becoming a known name in his home country, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if he achieves global fame with his inimitable approach to modern jazz.
Travels well with: Modasaurus-4K; Fawn Fritzen- How To Say Sorry And Other Lessons