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Jim Rotondi: 1000 Rainbows

By Bruce Lindsay
August 16, 2010
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1000 Rainbows swings beautifully, drawing together a few original tunes from trumpeter Jim Rotondi and some out-of-the-ordinary classics that are delivered in real style by a classy quintet. The New York-based Rotondi has been in the jazz scene for more than 20 years and has an extensive back catalog of recordings as a leader. This is his third Posi-tone release as leader, following Four Of A Kind (2008) and Blues For Brother Ray (2009).

The musicians on this release are exceptional—they have a real sense of swing and a real feel for melodies, too. Vibes player

Joe Locke

vibraphone
b.1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Joe Locke is outstanding, whether trading solos with Rotondi or adding to the rhythmic drive of pianist

Danny Grissett

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Danny Grissett, drummer

Bill Stewart

drums
b.1966

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill Stewart and bassist

Barak Mori

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Barak Mori.

Rotondi contributes three of his own compositions to the collection. They're all accessible, involving, tunes but "Gravitude"—a hard-bop style, driving, up-tempo number—is the standout of the three and features excellent solos from Locke and Rotondi.

The best-known tune here is Lennon and McCartney's "We Can Work It Out." Rotondi's version is more syncopated than

The Beatles

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">The Beatles original, giving the song a fresh edge that's further enhanced by Grissett's percussive piano solo. The less well-known "1000 Rainbows" was written by the late vibes player

Buddy Montgomery

piano
1930 - 2009

" data-original-title="" title="">Buddy Montgomery—Mori and Stewart lay down a strong and slinky groove on this tune, while Rotondi and Locke add distinctive solos. The most immediately enjoyable tune is

Bill Mobley

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill Mobley's "49th Street." The tune conjures up a real sense of a bustling New York thoroughfare, with its pacey rhythm. Stewart switches to brushes for the number, Rotondi plays some fine muted trumpet, Locke contributes a warm and uplifting vibes solo and Mori's bass solo is chunky and fun.

"Not Like This," written by British-born arranger Jeremy Lubbock and originally recorded by

Al Jarreau

vocals
1940 - 2017

" data-original-title="" title="">Al Jarreau, closes 1000 Rainbows in fine style. The tune opens with a brief solo from Locke before Rotondi enters to play a straightforward, sparse, melody line with great precision over Locke's gentle vibes. No one else appears, the front-line duo is all that's necessary to create a short but lovely performance to end a delightful and rewarding album.

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Track Listing

Bizzaro World; We Can Work It Out; One For Felix; 1000 Rainbows; Crescent Street; Born To Be Blue; Gravitude; 49th Street; Not Like This.

Personnel

Jim Rotondi

trumpet

Jim Rotondi: trumpet; Joe Locke: vibraphone; Danny Grissett: piano; Barak Mori: bass; Bill Stewart: drums.

Album information

Title: 1000 Rainbows | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Posi-Tone Records

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