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Corey Coverstone: A Human Experience

By Paul Naser
March 7, 2015
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Los Angeles based drummer Corey Coverstone's debut release as a leader, A Human Experience (Self Produced 2014), is a solid exploration of some familiar and not so familiar jazz standards by a band with a lot of chemistry. Coverstone, originally from Portland, is now a familiar face in the LA jazz scene and is playing around town with his band regularly. Coverstone enlisted the help of some of LA's finest musicians for this record; joining him are

Wes Smith

" data-original-title="" title="">Wes Smith (

Stevie Wonder

vocals
b.1950

" data-original-title="" title="">Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake) on saxophone,

Matt Politano

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Matt Politano (

Walter Smith III

saxophone, tenor
b.1980

" data-original-title="" title="">Walter Smith III,

Sara Gazarek

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Sara Gazarek) on piano and

Hamilton Price

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Hamilton Price (

Billy Childs

piano
b.1957

" data-original-title="" title="">Billy Childs,

Anthony Wilson

guitar
b.1968

" data-original-title="" title="">Anthony Wilson) on bass. The quartet plays swingin,' no frills arrangements of well known tunes like "Freedom Jazz Dance" and less known compositions like "Twilight Mist." Coverstone's playing drives the rhythm section and keeps the energy high.

A highlight of the album is the band's inspired rendition of

Wayne Shorter

saxophone
1933 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Wayne Shorter's "Black Nile," where saxophonist Smith shines as a soloist and Coverstone shows off his chops, which are always used in good taste, and his great tone. Another standout track is the previously mentioned "Twilight Mist." The beautiful ballad features Politano's sensitive and subtle comping, as well as a beautiful solo by the pianist, and Coverstone's impressive brushwork. Closing the album is the classic "Blue in Green," which is dedicated (as is the album) to a former teacher, bassist Jamie Faunt, who passed away in 2013.

Short and sweet, the unique song choice and program of the album make it interesting, as does the fiery playing from everyone involved. Any fans of straight ahead swing will definitely want to check this one out.

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Track Listing

Freedom Jazz Dance; Black Nile; Interlude; Eighty One; Twilight Mist; Blue in Green (for Jamie)

Personnel

Corey Coverstone

drums

Corey Coverstone: Drums; Wes Smith: Saxophone; Matt Politano: Piano; Hamilton Price: Bass

Album information

Title: A Human Experience | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Self Produced

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