Solidarity
OA2, 2024
8/10
The trombonist, composer and arranger Zach Rich is joined by his Denver quintet and chamber orchestra for these contemporary jazz and modern classical sounds that are performed meticulously.
“Seraph” starts the listen with Rich’s distinct trombone, before Seth Lewis’ lively bass and Austin Cebulske’s glowing tenor sax make for a rich delivery, and “Broken Mirrors” follows with Gonzalo Teppa’s strategic bass and Timothy Gocklin’s precise oboe that textures the tune with awe.
Halfway through, “Reprise” radiates a distinct intimacy, where Erin Patterson’s moving cello adds much grace to the equation, while “June” allows the stirring strings to tug on the heartstrings amid a poetic climate of warmth.
Residing close to the end, “What Is The World Rated?” recruits Julian Carey’s mesmerizing voice and Gavin Dunn’s elegant piano, and “The Heavyweight” exits with Denin Slage-Koch’s upbeat guitar playing that suits the dynamic jazz finish.
An effort that’s not short on rhythmic and crisp interaction between the many players, Rich’s vision is a luminous and timeless take on jazz and chamber sounds that is quite exciting.
Travels well with: David Friesen- This Light Has No Darkness: Volume 1; Peter Erskine- Bernstein In Vienna