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Larry Gray: 1, 2, 3...
By
Larry Coryell
guitar1943 - 2017

Zvonimir Tot
guitarJohn Moulder
guitarGray's playing on 1, 2, 3... adds further proof as to why he's often referred to as the top jazz bassist in the Midwest. His total command of the instrument is never in doubt. Though he doesn't come across as a "chops" player, he could easily tear up the strings with ease on every tune. One of the best examples of Gray's advanced musicality is on "Song of the Innocents," a solo bass feature that's played entirely with harmonics. In the course of the three minute piece Gray never plays a note that is not perfectly in tune or that has less than perfect tone. Apart from the masterful technique displayed during the piece, his use of space as both a melodic and tension building device, shows a level of musical maturity that is only gained by spending years on the bandstand with some of the best musicians in the world.
While all of the songs on the album were written by Gray, Moulder is shouldered with the melody sections and is featured as a soloist on almost every tune. His playing is a mix of the influences from such players as

Pat Metheny
guitarb.1954

John Abercrombie
guitar1944 - 2017

Bill Frisell
guitar, electricb.1951
1, 2, 3... is an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable album that features three of the top players from Chicago's thriving jazz scene. ">
Track Listing
No Doubt; Family; Song of the Innocents; Monk and Duke; More Than a Few; Reflect; Who is the Drummer?; One Look; Soffia's Dream; Meditation in D; Far and Away; Portals; E-E-E-lectricity.
Personnel
Larry Gray
bass, acousticLarry Gray: bass; John Moulder: guitar; Charles Heath: drums.
Album information
Title: 1, 2, 3... | Year Released: 2009 | Record Label: Chicago Sessions
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