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Adam Hersh: Tornado Watch

By Nicholas F. Mondello
July 1, 2024
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Tornado Watch is a uniquely attractive album from pianist

Adam Hersh

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Adam Hersh and his terrific sidemen. It offers ten tracks of intelligent, intensely-performed music. All the songs here are Hersh originals (save one) and each was recorded live in Los Angeles at the "Sam First" jazz club.

"Woe V Shade," obviously a politically directed word play, is a multi-tempoed track with an eight-note theme over a frantic foundation. Hersh takes off on an extended and energetic Rhodes solo, interacting vigorously with the fine rhythm section. Drummer

Myles Martin

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Myles Martin uses his kit in focused reaction to Hersh's, and later guitarist

Andrew Renfroe

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Andrew Renfroe's, respective explorations. "Tornado Watch" continues the textural soundscape in a similarly energetic vein, then breaks into an up-tempo burn; there is less melody, but, there is a stop-go in a freer, expressive portrait. Bassist

Jermaine Paul

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Jermaine Paul splashes fragments as things quiet down. "Parallel Motion" brings a slower pace into play.

Evan Abounassar

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Evan Abounassar's trumpet offers the ribbon-like melody in unison with guitar, and the additional sounds move in synchronous motion.

Devin Daniels

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Devin Daniels's alto saxophone solo over a chant-like background is wildly free and effective.

The environment here is swathed in assertive interplay, requiring a listener's deep aural engagement. The melodic and harmonic platforms are unique and certainly lend themselves to the soloists' latitudes. The fabric of these tracks is somewhat reminiscent of Chick Corea's "Return to Forever" and also of

Weather Report

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">Weather Report. Hersh's keyboard chops are technically sky-high and his improv favors shorter lines which develop virally. The support team is also outstanding throughout, with drummer Myles Martin a standout among standouts. The live recording is stellar.

Herbie Hancock

piano
b.1940

" data-original-title="" title="">Herbie Hancock's "Toys" gets an interesting approach which features a torrid solo from saxophonist Daniels over a straight-ahead base. Leader Hersh makes a solid statement there also. The slower, heavily orchestrated "In the Midst" offers a unison melody with synth and alto stating. Guitarist