Frankenstein
Henri Elkan, 2021
8/10
Wayne Alpern sure is prolific, and here the composer and arranger returns with David Mann on reeds, John Patitucci on bass and Clint DeGanon behind the drum kit, as well as many guests, as they interpret a wide selection of very well known tunes.
“You’ve Got A Friend” starts the listen with a strong brass presence from Brad Mason’s trumpet and Mike Boscarino’s trombone, as Andy Ezrin lends his keys on the busy, precise opener that injects soundbites from President Obama, and “Thinking Out Loud” follows with a modern jazz spirit in the Ed Sheeran tune that benefits much from Patitucci’s skilled bass.
Closer to the middle, “Send In The Clowns” displays soulful horns amid the calm, reflective climate, while “Cantaloupe Island” puts a very playful spin on the Herbie Hancock original that’s quite animated and flows with a bright, timeless delivery. “Dancing In The Street”, one of the record’s best, then recruits Tatum Greenblatt on trumpet for the festivities that flirt with funk.
Further yet, “More Than Yesterday” glides with agile drumming by DeGanon, where the players emit much melody, and “Gimme Some Lovin’” exits the listen with Kevin Ramessar on guitar and Mike Davis on trombone in the muscular jazz finish that does Steve Winwood proud.
Much like everything Alpern does, we’re treated to both adventurous moments as well as subdued bouts, and his careful attention to even the most minor details of each song won’t go unnoticed. Though we’ve all heard these songs before, Alpern’s vision guarantees that they’ve never sounded like this, and we’re all better off for it.
Travels well with: Billy Test Trio- Coming Down Roses; 2B3- Jimi