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Jazz Martyrs: Along Similar Lines

By Anya Wassenberg
September 3, 2018
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On Along Similar Lines. So-Cal-based drummer and bandleader

Paul Marangoni

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Paul Marangoni and a band of veteran musicians offer a tight blend of musicianship, and a high-energy approach that shifts tempos and moods easily. The recording has a nice, fat sound, and production values that capture the music with a sense of the live energy between the players.

Marangoni started the band in 2011, and he contributed two original pieces to this release. One of them, "Prava," is a track that is brash and melodic; fluid sax lines from

Rimvydas Paulikas

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Rimvydas Paulikas are in the spotlight, with a growly guitar solo from

Luke Thomas

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Luke Thomas to contrast its smooth tones. "Black Creek," the other original track, revolves around a bouncy bass riff that flows through intriguing chord changes, allowing each instrument its turn to embellish.

The band has chosen an eclectic set of tunes to cover, including a grooved, syncopated version of Jimmy Webb's classic "Wichita Lineman," and a couple of McCartney/Lennon tunes, "I Will" and "She's Leaving Home."

"Skating," by

Vince Guaraldi

piano
1928 - 1976

" data-original-title="" title="">Vince Guaraldi, is the familiar theme from "A Boy Named Charlie Brown," with a beefed-up rhythmic pulse, and a whirlwind of electric guitar and sax. Bassist

Jamey Holbrook

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Jamey Holbrook gets a chance to shine on "Echoes," not surprisingly written by fellow bassist

Ron Carter

bass
b.1937

" data-original-title="" title="">Ron Carter. He makes the complex music sound effortless.

On the band's website, Marangoni cites

Pat Metheny

guitar
b.1954

" data-original-title="" title="">Pat Metheny as one of his inspirations, and the band cover a couple of Metheny compositions on the album. The ensemble has a clear affinity for the kinetic, hyperactive "Say The Brother's Name;" they handle the more sinuous harmonic and rhythmic changes of "Just Like The Day" with equal aplomb.

The ensemble prove they can also turn down the dial on "After 6," by Austrian jazz guitarist

Wolfgang Muthspiel

guitar
b.1965

" data-original-title="" title="">Wolfgang Muthspiel, with its more laid-back groove, and impressive guitar riffs that go from smooth and melodic to an edgy snarl.

A live-on-the-floor energy and the band's versatility create a release with a lot of replay value.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Prava; I Will; Wichita Lineman; Skating; Echoes; Say The Brother's name; After 6; Just Like The Day; Sister Cheryl; She's Leaving Home; Black Creek.

Personnel

Paul Marangoni

drums

Rimvydas Paulikas

saxophone

Luke Thomas

guitar

Jamey Holbrook

bass

Album information

Title: Along Similar Lines | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Jazz Martyrs

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